Whiteman THE MINISTRY of Education has put in place a public relations plan to avoid the annual back-to-school woes, but has not yet stated whether it will provide the funding.
The public relations plan include dealing with delapidated and run-down classrooms, that usually prevent some from re-opening in time at the start of the academic year.
Although the Ministry has not yet said whether it was providing the funding it has, for instance, urged principals to use at least two weeks before the scheduled re-opening of school to carry out a general "clean-up", and to identify and resolve any issues that may have arisen over the summer holidays.
In a news release issued by the Government's news agency, the Jamaica Information Service, the Ministry said it has planned a major public education programme to sensitise teachers, parents and children about the need to get ready for school within another three weeks.
The release said the effort, initiated by Minister of Education Burchell Whiteman, was being spearheaded by the Ministry's public relations unit under the theme, "Ready, Set, Go Back-to-School Jamaica."
Public Relations Officer at the Ministry, Alison Hall, told JIS News that the back to school campaign would entail the use of radio drama, creation of a back-to-school website which would be linked to the Ministry of Education's website, and production of a brochure with a planning calendar and preparation guide.
The back-to-school brochure will be available islandwide through schools, parent/teacher associations, business places and other highly-trafficked locations.
The JIS said the planning calendar on the back-to-school brochure explains which mandatory activities ought to take place throughout the year. For the months of August, all schools should try to finalise all student transfers, examination queries and registration of new students.
Also, parents should finalise all school matters concerning their children, including purchase of school uniforms, stationery and payment of school fees at least two weeks before the re-opening of schools.
During the two-week period, principals should also ensure there is a general 'clean-up' and identification and resolution of any issues that may have arisen over the summer holidays, the release said.
Parents of students sitting the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) should present a copy of their children's birth certificate by November 8, 2002, in order to register him/her for the examinations.
