The Department of Education and Digital Transformation is investigating an incident at a city school in which a Grade Two student was reportedly struck by a teacher and sustained an injury to his nose, according to a statement issued on Friday.
The matter has sparked concern following complaints from the child’s mother, who has raised the issue with both school officials and the Department. She is said to be dissatisfied with the initial responses.
The incident is reported to have occurred on Friday, May 8, with the mother engaging school authorities on Monday, May 11.
St Lucia Times was reliably informed that tensions have emerged in the community where the student resides, with reports of threats directed at the teacher and school officials, prompting the school in question to remain closed Friday.
In a statement, the Department of Education says “it is aware of a recent incident involving a teacher and a student at one of our educational institutions.”
It said the well-being of students remains its highest priority and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining trust in the education system.
“Upon notification of the incident, the school administration initiated standard protocols, including facilitating medical evaluation for the student. Initial reports indicate that the student was not seriously injured,” the Department said.
It added that a thorough investigation is underway and the Department has convened preliminary meetings with the parties concerned to ensure that this matter is resolved with the care and seriousness it deserves.
The Department states further that it remains committed to the physical and psychological well-being of all students and does not condone any form of corporal punishment.
Corporal punishment was abolished in schools in Saint Lucia from May 1, 2020.
The Department of Education says that it is cognisant of the concerns of parents and the community, but urges the public to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims or threats against principals, teachers and other school personnel.
“Such actions can compromise the integrity of the investigation and the privacy rights of those involved,” it warns.
Parents and guardians were reminded that the official grievance procedure should be followed when raising school-related concerns, beginning with the principal, and escalating to the District Education Officer and Chief Education Officer if necessary.
“Our school must remain safe spaces for principals, teachers, students and ancillary staff alike. We appeal to all stakeholders to allow the investigation process to conclude without interference,” the statement signed by the Chief Education Officer Beverly Dieudionne says.
The Department ended its statement by saying that it remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, professionalism and the protection of the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.
When your child gets hurt during school hours, within the school’s compound, you report such a matter to the police.
is that one nigerian?/ whats going on there???
This whole incident has revealed that many parents need more schooling than their children! CHAS may have had a valid point when he made that one statement. @ Anonymous….your child get hurt at school and is police you reporting to, not even laising with school officials?
The teacher seems to have messed up, no doubt! But the violent threats I see online is just showing the signs of the times….they want their children to be well behaved but they are the definition of wicked ignorant and badminded!
This statement is unbiased and factual. The public is reacting emotionally without the facts. The ministry has to ensure rules of natural justice apply. School officials acted immediately on learning of the incident by seeking medical care for the child. Yes it was not the mother who did. Once the child is taken care of then investigations follow. People need to relax and allow things to happen. Yall too quick to jump on the bandwagon.
@ Sarah….you are only human it seems with sensible reaction to all of this. The mother said she took her child to hospital…it is now coming to light that she lied af. So teacher lying and mother of child lying…..like the old reagge tune .”””””what a situationnnnn”””
Seems to me that if the child was hurt, accidentally or intentionally, the parent should have been called in right away. She should not have had to wait for him to come home to see that he was. Some people should not be teachers.
Imagine teachers leaving 5 year Olds without lunch as a form of punishment. There are a lot of stories out there that are kept secret and some parents just quietly transfer their kids.
Was the principal aware of the incident when it happened or she found out when the parent brought it to her attention?
There is no excuse for injuring any child as punishment or otherwise
I am reposting from the article in order to make my point
“The Department of Education and Digital Transformation is investigating an incident at a city school in which a Grade Two student was reportedly struck by a teacher and sustained an injury to his nose, according to a statement issued on Friday.”
If the above statement is true – please stay in St. Lucia with you all nonsense. Trust me, this would not be tolerated any place else in the world. As an educator, patience, self-control and self-discipline is paramount – especially in an academic setting. One should never go into a profession unless they are called especially when dealing with the public/people/clients/students etc. you must possess effective communication skill sets and more.
In addition, dealing with this current educational climate you will always be put to the test as this is a new season and a new day – times have changed drastically. If you are unable to deal with the fire – do yourself and your family a favor “stay out of the kitchen”
I am a St. Lucian living abroad – my sister is a teacher with educational credentials in Youth Development. Not because she is my sister – she is actually called to this profession because teaching is an absolute calling.
I am employed in the healthcare industry and I honestly could not do what my sister does. Her student population consist of eight (8) year olds – I will spare the details of what my sister deals with on a daily basis with kids who are only 8 years old. Honestly, the stuff which happens regularly is really a crying shame – God speed
It is unfortunate that teachers are always thrown under the bus without bias. Did the teacher have a seizure? Do we know what the pills were for? A minister and a chief speaks without facts. Yet, when the allegations against the music teacher at the special education school happened, everyone remained tight lipped! Is it impossible that it was an accident and that it didn’t swell instantly. We’re so busy listening for when people who have no work to do goes live. Sad. Lives threatened. People painted in any light and we are all consumed with the soaps of it all. Give us the facts and let due process unfold!
Very distasteful, how this individual is being roasted without a full story or a full investigation. Where was all this energy when the allegations against the music teacher at a special education school arose? Is it impossible, that the swelling happened after? Why are all the students who were present giving a different story ignored. The level of ignorance once someone comes on a live is ridiculous. Is it impossible that he had a medical attack at the time, because his pills were in hand? Very sad how the officials are talking about disciplinary action, at the same time that they are saying that they don’t have the full story. Whereas, countless other cases have been overlooked for years. It’s the hypocrisy for me.