St George’s School sacks principal!
Concerned about what seems to be a high turnover rate of principals at the secondary division of St George’s School, the decision to hunt for another was brought to the attention of this news site by a concerned parent- a concern also shared by teachers attached to the school.
Parent and guardians were given letters notifying them of the impending changes that are set for the new school year. It was signed by the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr Gerard C. Farara Q.C. and Father Ronald Branche respectively.
“As announced at the meeting we have decided to change the current principal. Regrettably the existing plans of the administration and the expectations of our parents have not been realized during this school year. In order to put matters back on track, we took the bold step of appointing the Vice Principal, Mrs. Gonzales, and the senior teacher, Mrs. Faith Ann Adams as temporary joint administrators, to take on the role and task of addressing the issues of immediate concern and working towards a positive outcome for the school community,” the memorandum stated.
Contacted as it relates to the sacking of the principal and the other surrounding issues which have apparently plagued the school, Mr Farara indicated his willingness to sit with this news site at a more convenient time to discuss the issue. He declined to comment further except to dispel the claim that the school has had a high turn-over of principals. According to the Board Chairman, the new principal expected to take over in September 2013, will make number 4 for the 9-year existence of the school. He said the first principal’s stint was short lived at his own choice, the second spent about six to seven years and Ms Beverly J. Hinds-Callwood, whose service is being terminated by the Board, would have been the third.
Ms Hinds-Callwood who had also offered to discuss the issues surrounding her being sacked from the principal’s position at the St Georges Secondary School was not comfortable to speak until after the graduation exercise on Wednesday June, 27, 2013. Efforts to reach her on Thursday proved futile. She had, however, told Virgin Islands News Online that “the school has a board and the board has made their decision. They cited poor performance,” Ms Hinds-Callwood said.
She did admit that the school had performed at its worse in its history this year, but noted that it was unfair to cast the blame at her heels as she was not given sufficient time and opportunity two make her mark for the better of the school. Ms Hinds-Callwood has been at the school for about two years, one year as a regular teacher and the second as principal. She said that at the beginning of the first academic term she was faced with the challenge of a shortage of three teachers and even had to shift her focus on filling in as a full time teacher in the best interest of the students.
“I couldn't focus on the administrative aspects until the second term. My duties as principal had to be pushed aside. It wasn't until the second term that I got into my principal duties and before the end of the third term the board has sited poor performance. In my mind that is not fair as I was not given the opportunity to perform and prove myself,” she noted.
According the Hinds-Callwood, who appeared very discrete and humble at the situation, there are many “intrinsic things” that need to be addressed in the school. “A lot of things need to be addressed, I don’t want to say further at this time but lots, lots, need to be done within that school system and they were not fair to me given that I was in the position under a year when they made the decision,” she added.
She said she was not asked to return to her substantive position as a teacher and said, “At this time I would say no, I am going to let my God fight the battle, but to return as a teacher there, right now I would say no, I don’t think so.”
The letter circulated had given the indication that the school has been hit with a shortage of teachers also. “Meanwhile, we have advertised the post of Principal and advertised for teachers to fill the vacancies, given the goals we wish to achieve in the new school year, 2013-2014,” stated the circular.
The Board has reassured that it has the interest of both parent and students at heart and intends to work closely with all stakeholders in the “re-alignment” of the school. “We are confident that 2013-2014 will be the year when St. George’s Secondary will move to a higher level in the quality of education we offer in this Territory.”
While we were not able to secure the full break down of the school’s performance at this year’s School Leaving Examinations, we were able confirm that of the 15 students who sat this year, 11 passed and there is a likelihood that there will be one more added to the pass number as a matter is reportedly being sorted out at the level of the Ministry of Education.
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60 Responses to “St George’s School sacks principal!”
So now you are short 3 teachers and 1 principle. Pulling two teachers to take on the responsibilities of the principle will only mean you are now short even more teachers. Maybe just maybe you should have kept her on board and correct the real issue which it seems is the shortage of teachers
The Principal has only just served less than one full academic school year, hence, it is very foolish of the Board to fire her for incompetence, when they are quite aware, I hope, of the many 'intrinsic things' lacking in the school. It is totally unjust to fire a principal, whom is very experienced in administration, for negligible issues. Mrs Hinds-Callwaood may have faltered along the way, no doubt, like all of us do at some point, but to label her as incompetent is taking it beyond. Any wise administrator will know that a school cannot and will not function efficiently and effectively without sound, prudent decisions. The Board should have advised the principal to acclimatise herself first with the culture of the BVI before making any decisions. I personally believe that that was her downfall, but she should have been informed by the Board.
I would only hope, moving forward, that the Board will start being more proactive in the life of the school and stop being only interested in the monetary gains to be derived from it. I would want to think that QC Farara and Canon Branche know that once they start investing real time, money and energies into the school, ensuring that its teachers are well comfortable, fully mandated with the vision of the school, only the student intake will improve drastically. Otherwise, they are just being penny wise and pund foolish.
And, NO, I am not a member of staff, neither am I a parent. I am an educator here on the island, and have been folllowing very keenly the goings on of the school. Further I say not.