Statement on allegations of parents not allowed into the compound at Mon Repos Primary School

On Tuesday, January 29, 2019, it was reported to an Education Officer of the Department of Education Region Four that a group of parents were gathered outside of the school’s gate. 

The issue under contention is the attempt by the school’s administration to dissuade parents from loitering within the school and around the school compound during the instructional time.

This behaviour pattern by parents has led to several issues at the school including learners being distracted during instructional time.

As a result, parents were encouraged to leave after the morning and afternoon sessions started. This discussion was done at a general P.T.A. meeting on Monday, January 28, 2019.

However, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, a few parents were not willing to leave the school compound after the bell rang in the morning.

Following discussions between the Headteacher, Senior Teachers and an Education Officer, the following were agreed upon:

1. The parents must be allowed to bring their children into the school as per normal. When the bell rings, those parents who are still within the confines of the school awaiting the dismissal time should be encouraged to go home and return at dismissal time for the children.

2. An emergency PTA meeting would be convened to address the issue.

Normalcy has been restored to the school. The situation will continue to be monitored closely to ensure that all stakeholders are on-board and that efforts are made to strengthen the School-Community relationship.