The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training said today that school will begin online from Monday, January 10, 2022.
In addition, the new proposed date for the phased return to face-to-face school for Term 2 is Monday, January 24.
A media release said this in light of the information shared at the press briefing on Thursday by the Chief Medical Officer, The Most Honourable Dr Kenneth George, as it relates to the presence of the Omicron variant in Barbados.
“As you are aware, the Ministry of Education has prepared a roadmap for the reopening of school that guides preparation for teaching and learning in the online, blended and face-to-face environments. In light of the new Omicron variant, further discussions must be held with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to determine whether additional precautions must be taken for safe face-to-face reopening.
“It is against this backdrop that principals, staff, students and parents should continue to prepare for the phased return to face-to-face school. The new proposed date for this modality is Monday, 24 January, 2022.
The statement said that the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training continues to be guided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as it relates to ensuring the safety of staff and students during this pandemic.
Stating that the situation remains fluid, the Ministry of Education said if there are any changes to the plans for the safe face-to-face reopening, the public will be notified through the ministry’s website, the School Alert App, GIS and various media houses by Thursday, January 20, 2022. (PR)