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Facebook erupts over topic of unruly school children frustrating teachers

- teachers vent frustrations
February 1st, 2017 | Tags: devils unruly children ESHS Parents Social Media
Teachers reportedly continue to be frustrated by unruly children of the Elmore Stoutt High School and irresponsible parents. Photo: VINO/File
The Facebook post by Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman on January 31, 2017 criticising some parents for their children's negative behaviour in school. Photo: Facebook
The Facebook post by Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman on January 31, 2017 criticising some parents for their children's negative behaviour in school. Photo: Facebook
Some of the posts, mostly in support of the comments made by Mr Eustace 'Boss' Freeman. Photo: Facebook
Some of the posts, mostly in support of the comments made by Mr Eustace 'Boss' Freeman. Photo: Facebook
Some of the posts, mostly in support of the comments made by Mr Eustace 'Boss' Freeman. Photo: Facebook
Some of the posts, mostly in support of the comments made by Mr Eustace 'Boss' Freeman. Photo: Facebook
Some of the posts, mostly in support of the comments made by Mr Eustace 'Boss' Freeman. Photo: Facebook
Some of the posts, mostly in support of the comments made by Mr Eustace 'Boss' Freeman. Photo: Facebook
Some of the posts, mostly in support of the comments made by Mr Eustace 'Boss' Freeman. Photo: Facebook
Some of the posts, mostly in support of the comments made by Mr Eustace 'Boss' Freeman. Photo: Facebook
Former Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) teacher Sharie B. Y. de Castro has suggested that qualified teachers be allowed to weigh-in in on curriculum and policy changes. Photo: Provided/File
Former Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) teacher Sharie B. Y. de Castro has suggested that qualified teachers be allowed to weigh-in in on curriculum and policy changes. Photo: Provided/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Teachers across the territory are becoming more frustrated, having to deal with a lack of working materials, the growing pains of ill-mannered children, and parents refusing to believe the reality of their children while at school.

While reports in sections of the media continue to highlight the man-holes in the education system, many in the Virgin Islands are taking to social media to vent their frustrations.

Cameras can reveal the monsters

Most recent has been the issue of children shunning teachers and parents not believing that in classrooms there are ‘monsters and devils’ as suggested by Facebook 

Mr Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman, a primary school Physical Education teacher, was obviously at his wits end when he posted on Facebook yesterday January 31, 2017, “I really believe every classroom in the schools needs camera's which could either be linked to Power School or recorded daily. So that parents could really observe the behaviour of their children, because some parents children never do nothing. Parents please understand that taking your child side at all cost is not helping them, only creating monsters…”

Another Facebook user, Nehassie Chalwell, supported Mr Freeman saying, “Why would we as teachers have to make up story on kids and lie on them. Some parents forget the saying "Apple don’t fall far from the tree."

The suggestion of installing cameras in classrooms is not something new to the ears of many as it was previously suggested, as confirmed by Mr Alton Bertie. “Back in the day when I was a teacher I mentioned this idea but naturally it was shot down. It would be good too in the case of a child being sick from school they can login and still catch up on the work.”

Daddy & mommy’s little angels or devils?

The situation in classrooms has gone to the extent that prominent figures in society couldn’t find better words to liken students to other than ‘devils’.

Teachers and some students who are serious about learning complain that some children only come to school to disrupt classes, have no respect for authority, attend school without books and pens and plain out refuse to do any work in class.

And then there is the issue of regular fights both inside and outside the school compound.

Dean Sportsman Greenaway commented, “Many parents sadly lack discipline so they don't think their children should be disciplined....those "Little Angels" are some real Devils.”

Shereen Flax-Charles said, “Some are house angels and street devils. The fear of God needs to be instilled in them. Long ago we loved our parents but were afraid of them. When a parent walked into the school it was all over. So you had better behave or suffer the consequences.”

Kim Pemberton wrote: “Amen! Some parents however are like trump supporters, ignorant to a fault & will still say not them child even after seeing the evidence. No wonder the children are the way they are…”

Students shunning teachers

Weighing in on the issue of students shunning teachers was given weight when former Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) teacher, Sharie B. Y. de Castro, opined that if students are shunning teaching it may be because they spend 5 days a week from 9-3 seeing first hand exactly what teachers endure: lack of resources, insufficient teachers, lack of a substitute system and lack of a school wide behavioural support system to name a few.

“Can we expect differently if students are blatantly asking teachers, "Why are you here... We hear teachers don't make money?" I dare say teachers are now shunning teaching too at an all-time high. A rising number of teachers are resigning from teaching and taking up other careers. Honestly, I cannot say that I blame them.”

Loop holes

“Why is it that qualified teachers are not given the opportunity to weigh in on curriculum and policy changes that are being instituted for them to implement? There are too many qualified teachers left in limbo every September waiting for an appointment letter to show an extension. There are too many qualified teachers who are told that there is a waiting list to become permanent and pensionable because there are teachers waiting for up to 5+ years since there are not enough positions allocated for in the budget.”

While pin-pointing a number of loop holes in the Virgin Islands (UK) education system, Ms de Castro noted that teaching is the profession that births every other profession and the truth is “we absolutely love what we do. Is this job hard? You bet it is but it is not impossible.”

39 Responses to “Facebook erupts over topic of unruly school children frustrating teachers”

  • foxy (01/02/2017, 16:38) Like (18) Dislike (31) Reply
    When you put an antiguian as minister...more to come
    • Desk camera (02/02/2017, 21:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

      Right ...so install your own camera.....then they will say you can't record without permission especially children ..big deal ......in this case the end justifies the means record their lil r*$$s....bet they straighten up

  • Recommendation (01/02/2017, 18:54) Like (24) Dislike (5) Reply
    I suggest that government hire some retired 7ft russian military disciplinarian men at these institutions and let them hand down punishment russian style....lard I so wicked.
  • teacher john (01/02/2017, 19:00) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    I have absolutely no problem and in fact would urge teachers to give MVW the taste of his own medicine
  • A Parent (01/02/2017, 19:05) Like (48) Dislike (4) Reply
    Why you blaming the Minister? Blame the parents who are not discipling their children. I do my best as a parent. I have a son in Gade 12 and he tells me the stories of the struggles some teachers are having with some students. Parents need to raise disciplined children, not monsters. Even in the primary schools the teachers are struggling with these children. I do feel good as a parent when.I attend PTA meetings and I am told that my children are well behaved. It means that I am fulfilling my role as a parent.
    • @ A Parent (01/02/2017, 19:21) Like (12) Dislike (9) Reply
      Regardless of your thoughts about what should be done here the Minister has become the absolute model of hypocrisy, and unfortunately the teachers and some parents are not too far behind.
    • staind (01/02/2017, 19:49) Like (37) Dislike (1) Reply
      some parents need parenting themselves.
  • ------------------- (01/02/2017, 19:08) Like (6) Dislike (43) Reply
    Boss is such a drama queen how come he did not have the balls to admit his song on don't disrespect the doctor
    • Talktola (01/02/2017, 19:30) Like (35) Dislike (2) Reply
      Here comes the distraction from the issue ... I'm betting you are one of the same parents that child or children out of control. I pray Mr Freeman stays conscience of the issues we face and continue to point them out.
      • student (01/02/2017, 23:20) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
        The teachers needs to focus on the kids more...
        • Scary Mary (02/02/2017, 10:19) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ student,

          The students need to focus on their studies more and stop causing chaos and confusion!
      • Conscience? (02/02/2017, 09:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        The word you mean to use is "conscious". It means "aware". Sigh.
    • 111111q (07/02/2017, 21:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      U off topic
  • Strups (01/02/2017, 19:29) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Please tell the children in the BVI to play on the swings more carefully before somebody gets hurt.
  • Wayne boy Girl (01/02/2017, 19:53) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply

    The principal at **** was told by the education minister to leave the students alone because of her he loosing votes I guess their relationship turned sour

  • please (01/02/2017, 19:56) Like (18) Dislike (5) Reply
    Strupessss. Is lil brats what making this up roar?? These children don't even know how to bathe properly and don't even smell them piss yet!! Parents need to be blame yes! No child would get on like that if the parent would take control and stop being their FRIEND!!! WISH YALL HAD MY MOTHER!!!
  • Mr Sarcastic (01/02/2017, 19:59) Like (44) Dislike (12) Reply

    Only since Myron became Minister we have rude @$$ kids in school. Remove Myron and NDP and all kids will wake up with the best behavior and all Teachers will live happily ever after. Its no fault of the parents, its all Myron. GOO BVI! 

  • Phil (01/02/2017, 20:46) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    I sat in a class yesterday at HLSCC, there was a student next to me and a strong smell of marijuana was coming from his breath. Since the semester started that student has not taken a single note in class. Why is that student in college? It's free. In another class the lecturer had to stop teaching several times to tell students to put away their phones and pay attention.
  • Really (01/02/2017, 20:56) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    CHILDREN CHILDREN YES MA MA WHAT DID SHE TELL YOU BOSS GET AN EDUCATIO NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE CAN'T SAY I DID NOT WARNED YOU
  • student (01/02/2017, 21:13) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    I get bullied and they always cuss people mom, and cuss our teachers.
  • Mothers Motherz Mothers. Problem. (01/02/2017, 22:06) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    Mothers are the problem... Straight up. Don't you hear how these children talk to their mothers like gangsters and boss and the mother is a little child. The mother just stay humble never stamp her authority.. So they children think what they do at home.e they can do abroad. How they rough their mothers up they can rough everybody else up....Mothers have failed their children and in extension the society...
  • National Bully Syndrome (01/02/2017, 22:18) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    The kids can be disgusting true, some parents to blame true but someone mentioned what this has to do with the minister but I want to say it starts with all us adults including the government. Right now nobody in this place have any manners. They don't respect the ministers when they go on stage to address them. We see our government with a National Bully Syndrome where they

    1. Oppressing the people.
    2. Instigating violence with fist fight words and slandering.
    3. Disrespecting/shutting down others in the hoa and outside.
    4. Calling each other names.
    5. Bold face lies like we stupid.
    6. Using they power to harass people.
    7. Intimidating and unlawfully firing our people.
    8. Attacking the media.

    These kids see through all this National bullying. I'm an adult and I give respect where it's due but not to some of these national bullies I don't even want my kids to meet because I refuse to answer any questions. These kids better not know who our leaders are. Dam the internet.
    • chad (02/02/2017, 14:20) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      So you really think that our kids are ever interested in watching or listening to the HOA? Firstly the HOA starts at 10am while our kids in school, and even so, answer this question: have you ever told your kids what is right from wrong? haven't you told them to not be followers but to be leaders instead? haven't you told your kids not to follow bad examples? HOA all over this world have bad behavior when politicians are trying to argue their points, this is not unique to the Virgin Islands. Teach your kids to be leaders, teach them to pick sense out of nonsense, and teach your kids to always try to be respectful and not to take things into their own hands but to take their complaints to the ones in-charge of the institution they attend.
  • JACK BE STILL (01/02/2017, 23:22) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    boss be careful, mw is vindictive you all not allowed to speak to the media or to post anti government items on snw.
  • Dear Ms. S.L Williams (01/02/2017, 23:59) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The word is attest....not contest. You are welcome.
    • God help us... (02/02/2017, 09:16) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      Hmmmm. The grammar and spelling from the parents and teachers who are posting are atrocious. Then we wonder why the children who are in our care are the way they are. Sad state of affairs. LEARN TO SPELL AND ARTICULATE.
  • Lord Help Our Children (02/02/2017, 07:16) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where are the fathers of these kids? A broken home or single parenting is not enough to raise these kids. And oh, we can't expect the teachers to handle these kids because they are either kids themselves (very young teachers), or they were employed with no proper experience or training including communication skills, or they simply just don't have any regards for the kids. Now we know what the problem is Ministers, let's all as a community come together and find the best solution and take action to help our children.
  • Lord Help The Children (02/02/2017, 07:23) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Outrage over return of student who brutally beat female @ BFEC!
    - 14 year old male student from Bregado Flax Educational Centre who was charged with beating a female student, sending her to hospital, is back to school; many blame Hon Myron V. Walwyn again"

    NEED I SAY MORE?
    • Ajic (07/02/2017, 06:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I hope the parents pressed criminal as well as civil charges against that child's parents. If you won't train and control your child then you need to pay the cost.
  • Hey now (02/02/2017, 08:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    YOU EVER WALKING ON THE ROAD IN THE EVENINGS AFTER SCHOOL IS DISMISSED? OH MY GOD.
    ONE AFTERNOON LAST WEEK ,I HEAR A LITTLE GIRL IN HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM SAYING TO HER OTHER SCHOOL MATET,THE MODA C?#** #@## GOING WID MI MAN AND, THAT B#@#H WILL BUNRN I WILL #U@# HER UP.

    NOW TELL ME I AM A GROWN UP AND YOUR A CHILD AND YOU ARE JUST BEHIND ME ARE YOU GONNA BE SAYING ALL THAT?

    MY GOD I PRAY FOR THEESE KIDS .......
  • Sayitsnotso (02/02/2017, 09:17) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hear all different sort of scenarios which are indeed true. There's not one simple cause for this issues and behaviours.

    1. I don't believa 5 year old is learning bad behaviour based on internet and social media; parents are the cause for this. They fail to begin discipline at an early age, let them get away with what they consider minor stuff. From there it just trangress into temper trantrums, feeling that they have a right to get away with stuff.
    2. Teachers do contribute to bad behaviour; they have favourtism, shout at students and lump every child together not realizing you won't get all A students. I know cuase I have a daughter in high school. Her grades are in the A's and B's and sometimes she says when they ask teacher to explain again its like I explained this already you should have gotten it. Most times I end up trying to explain what I don't even know. Thank God for the internet.
    3. Students get bullied because they are quiet and well behaved and sometimes just to fit in or not get picked on all the time they just start misbehaving or joined the groups and cliques know for instigating most of the disrutpions happening at the schools
    4. The education minister intentions are good and in the right place, but I didn't understand what the rush was. Things such as these needed studies and to be implemented in stages that would not have interferred with the proccess and progress of the students learning.
    5. The whole system on a whole is set up to allow for disrespect. The option for explusion should still be there; one cannot abuse students, teachers and prpoerty and still be allowed to be in the general population. some Caribbean islands school system have this rule that if you get suspended in 5th form (6th) form you would not be allowe dot walk in your graduation ceremony, you will get your certificate you would just not be allowed to be part of the process and if you were entitled to gifts such as student in a subject you lose that recogntion.
    Just my two cents.
  • Online Now (02/02/2017, 10:42) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    This behaviour does not only happen at schools and by children. I have attended a number of work related and community meetings recently in which adults have;
    - Played music on their phones while the meeting was ongoing.
    - Spoken on their phones during the meetings.
    - Carried on conversations whilst a speaker was speaking.
    Etc. I could go on. But basically, people need to start having respect for other people and teaching that respect to their children.
  • wow (02/02/2017, 11:24) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    What do you think would happen when children have more freedom now than any other time period. They have phones with internet access to any material they wish with no restrictions. They talk to whoever they want whenever they want. Sending videos and pictures of their underdeveloped bodies. They doing adult stuff so they feel that they are adults.
  • mind blowing (02/02/2017, 13:53) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I've noticed the most opinionated people on social media seems to be lacking basic understanding/execution of the English language. It's quite embarrassing to say the least, mere fact that they are educators.
  • Observer (02/02/2017, 17:16) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    PRAY!!!
  • Eshs Teacher (03/02/2017, 08:13) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The situation is terrible. Don't mind what the Minister is saying, he was the victim of a verbal attack from one of our students already and what did he do? He saw to it that the young man was dealt with. We have lost control of the children in that school. My heart goes out to the few students who are seriously trying to get an education. The level of disrespect in the school is unprecedented. Students walk through the halls using the F*** and all other form of expletives like it's common language. You would have to stand up outside all day to address students and their foul language. It's sad, please parents you need to assert your authority. If you can't handle your child you expect that we will get them handled. What surprises me is when you call a parent and they say to you that they are tired, of their own child, and that they don't know what to do. Well let me tell you parents this if a student interferes with me, I will surely interfere with them. They need to know that teachers are humans and we have feelings too. They will learn the hard way and then everyone could talk about how the teachers aren't any better than the students then. But one thing I'll be sure of that student would think twice about interfering with me in the future. But I don't want it to get to that point, so please pray for us, we need your prayers to push on.
  • Balsam ghut (05/02/2017, 22:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why Balsam Ghut is getting full. Parents are not training their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Then when the sentence is handed down in court, the parents bawling, bawling for people to have pity on them.

    Teachers are not going to make up things on your children. They have better things to do.


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