PHILIPSBURG–Smiles, laughter, hugs, lots of chatting and a few tears were the predominant scenes at many of the schools across St. Maarten on Monday as classes resumed for the start of the new 2017-2018 academic year.
Most schools held general assemblies where students were encouraged to focus on their studies and steer clear of negative influences, before they went off to their respective classes.
Much like the happy scenes at school, snail’s pace traffic, particularly along the L.B. Scott Road and connecting streets were very much evident from early Monday until around mid-to late morning hours when it cleared up.
While many students were happy to be (back) at school, some younger children, many of whom were in a school setting for the first time, shed tears in their new environments. At one primary school, the anxiety caused a female pupil to vomit and cry bitterly. In many cases teachers and parents consoled criers and reassured them that everything will be alright.
Some schools, among them Milton Peters College (MPC) and the Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education (PSVE) section of St. Maarten Academy, did not take any chances when it came to security. Male and female students were patted down and had their bags checked on entry at PSVE, while security guards were at the entrance of MPC checking students and warning those whose dress code did not conform with the school rules. Students who breached the dress code, such as wearing footwear that were not all black were told to stay in line with the school rules in their mode of dress.
While all schools opened their doors, some had contingency plans in place as they were not fully ready such as the Methodist Agogic Center-Comprehensive Secondary Education (MAC-CSE), at which construction works were continuing to add more classrooms to accommodate the school’s fifth form level. Although they were making do with what’s available, some schools also had to contend with space limitations such as the St. Maarten Vocational Training School (SMVTS), which is bursting at its seams and has capacity issues and a waiting list. The construction of four much-needed classrooms has been at a standstill for several months (see related story).
There were no reports of any incidents occurring at any school on Monday.
Despite the challenges at some institutions, school reopened with a vibrancy, which was reflected both in the enthusiasm of many students and the motivation that many educators possessed.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/68529-new-school-year-off-to-vibrant-start
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