Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
IT'S OFFICIAL. Schools within close proximity to Sabina Park are to close for two weeks next March to facilitate the staging of Cricket World Cup 2007.
However, this has forced administrators at primary schools in the area to make alternative arrangements for students who will be sitting the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) that month.
Michael Brown, principal of Jessie Ripoll Primary School, told The Gleaner yesterday that the Region One director in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Errol Levy had sent a memorandum outlining the dates when the school would be closed.
According to the memo, approval has been given for the school to close its doors between March 12 and 23, 2007. The letter said this period should be treated as the Easter holidays.
The memo also stated that the Christmas term would be extended by three days, which means school would close December 20 this year.
STUDENTS TO BE ACCOMMODATED
As a result of the closure, Mr. Brown said he was looking to the Girl Guides Association and St. Joseph's Teachers' College to accommodate the more than 120 students who will be sitting exams.
He noted, however, that the venues are yet to be confirmed, because one of the institutions is charging the school $300,000 to use the venue. The principal said a proposal had been sent to the organisers of Cricket World Cup 2007 for them to offset the cost.
But Pauline Nelson, communications manager at Cricket World Cup 2007, said she was not aware of the proposal and, therefore, could not comment.
Marjorie Karr-Black, vice-principal at Alpha Primary School, said the institution would be negotiating with Alpha Infant School to accommodate the GSAT students. All other students would be on early holidays.
Although the letter sent to Mr. Brown did not state that the ministry would be finding accommodation for GSAT students, Adelle Brown, chief education officer in the Ministry of Education and Youth, said her ministry is putting plans in place for all students sitting the GSAT as well as other examinations. She was, however, unable to provide more details on the plans.
