Posted: Wednesday, December 14, 2016. 12:06 p.m. CST.
By BBN Staff: A leaked memo issued to Primary School General Managers from the Ministry of Education says school are to re-open on January 3, 2017 despite the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) having informed its membership to return to schools on the 9.
On Monday the BNTU issued a press release explaining that the union remains firm in its position that it is the Managing Authorities and teachers who should decide when and how the time, lost to 11-days of strike action in October, will be made up.
This came after the Ministry of Education had indicated its intent to take back six days: four from the Christmas vacation and two from Easter break. The Ministry had decided to re open classes on January 3 but BNTU had expressed that its council of management, members and parents had already planned to proceed with their full Christmas vacation.
The union quoted Rule 131 (4) which explains that the school calendar is 180 days however, “special arrangements shall be made by the school (not the ministry) to fulfill this requirement.”
BBN has been able to obtain a copy of the leaked memo that was sent on Monday to all general managers reminding that classes are to resume on January 3. “ I look forward to your cooperation in ensuring that teachers, parents and students are aware of the date of the opening of schools in 2017,” the memo read. It was signed by Chief Education Officer Carol Babb.
Story: Teachers get full Christmas vacation http://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2016/12/12/teachers-full-christmas-vacation/
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