More Than 40k Students Return to Public Schools Across the Country

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Class is set to be back in session for students across the country this week, and while many private schools opened their doors last week, public schools began kicking off classes Monday morning.

During a tour of several of those schools, education officials are hoping for a productive school year.

Monday morning marked the start of another school year for some 40-thousand public school students across the country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Chester Cooper, was on the ground early, making several stops across New Providence to see for himself how schools were prepared for day one.

One of those stops was Eva Hilton Primary School, where the campus was already buzzing with excitement.

Principal Tamika Radley and her team welcomed students back with an ’80s-inspired theme: “Excellence Never Goes Out of Style.”

Tamika Adderley – Principal, Eva Hilton Primary School

“ All of my administrators, we are in composition books. So they will meet the back to the ’80s. We have our signs to show the encyclopedias that we used to use back in the day…tapes, videos…”

From there, it was on to T.G. Glover Primary, where Cooper took time out for selfies with students and parents before continuing his tour.

Next, Albury Sayle Primary School, where the focus shifted to the school’s special education program.

Principal Maria Holbert says the program is already making a noticeable difference.

It’s the type of success story Education Director Dominique McCartney-Russell says fits into the ministry’s wider push to put the needs and abilities of every child at the centre of education.

Dominique McCartney-Russell – Director, Education

“ Every single child matters. And so for us, it means providing those quality opportunities, ensuring that not just the needs of those children are met, but that their interests are, are taken advantage.”

The tour rolled on, with officials also checking in at C.V. Bethel Senior High School and Sadie Curtis Primary.

Then, at C.R. Walker Senior High School, Cooper walked into a welcome assembly for new students getting their first taste of high school life.

As the tour continued, Cooper reiterated the ministry’s vision for the new school year, and what he says a “revolution in education” should look like moving forward.

Chester Cooper – Minister, Education

“ We’re building on the past, we are continuing the future, and we are implementing things that work, that help to advance the mission…”