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ESHS teachers always late for PTA meetings – Donald E. de Castro

- said he endured late-coming by teachers to meetings for five years when his child attended the Althea Scatliffe Primary School
Radio talk show host Donald E. de Castro has slammed the Principal and teachers of the Elmore Stoutt High School for failing to be prompt with the starting of their Parent/Teachers Association meetings while wanting to discipline students who turn up late for school. Photo: VINO/File
De Castro's lamentations come at a time when just a few weeks ago Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald CBE called on teachers and education professionals to be more committed to their work in the interest of furthering the education of those in their charge. Photo: GIS
De Castro's lamentations come at a time when just a few weeks ago Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald CBE called on teachers and education professionals to be more committed to their work in the interest of furthering the education of those in their charge. Photo: GIS
De Castro, whose child attends the school, was speaking on his latest edition of Straight Talk aired on Wednesday February 10, 2016 on radio station ZBVI 780 AM. Photo: VINO/File
De Castro, whose child attends the school, was speaking on his latest edition of Straight Talk aired on Wednesday February 10, 2016 on radio station ZBVI 780 AM. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Radio talk show host Donald E. de Castro has slammed the principal and teachers of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) for failing to be prompt with the starting of their Parent/Teachers Association meetings while wanting to discipline students who turn up late for school.

De Castro, whose child attends the school, was speaking on his latest edition of Straight Talk aired on Wednesday February 10, 2016 on radio station ZBVI 780 AM.

“I am in the second year of my daughter [going to that school] and I am yet to see a PTA meeting start on time,” lamented de Castro on his programme, heard every second Wednesday of each month.

“But these same principals and teachers are ready to discipline your child or my child if they come to school late,” he said.

According to the talk show host, the teachers offer the lamest excuses for being sometimes in excess of 30 minutes late for meetings.

“I had this problem for five years at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School. It is shameful,” he exclaimed.

Teachers among the worst late-comers

De Castro's lamentations come at a time when just a few weeks ago Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald CBE called on teachers and education professionals to be more committed to their work in the interest of furthering the education of those in their charge.

Speaking at a function for teachers and education officials on January 11, 2016, she also addressed the issue of late coming by teachers and education officials, saying that they are some of the worst offenders in the public service.

She said she was performing ‘meet and greet’ one morning and “half of the public service” came to work late.

The Education Department, under the watch of Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn, was put on blast as, according to the Deputy Governor, that Department is among the leaders in late coming.

“The last person came to work at 9:40 am,” she said. “As I asked why persons were so late [and] nobody had a good excuse. And you know what? There were two departments that were later than everybody else…Education was one.”

The Deputy Governor said sometimes if there is no consequence for non-performance, careless service, late attendance or insubordination, persons will continue these bad habits.

33 Responses to “ESHS teachers always late for PTA meetings – Donald E. de Castro”

  • wize up (15/02/2016, 08:48) Like (6) Dislike (24) Reply
    ok decastro; now tell the territory about your workers union, the one you been trying to get off the for amlost 50 years(i am asking because i want to join before the world comes to an end)
  • start from the top (15/02/2016, 08:59) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    Donald has a point...just check who the minister is and you will put 2 and 2 together
    • liberate the system (15/02/2016, 09:49) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
      Teachers and principal need to be held accountable and stop wasting the tax payers money even in the primary schools they are always late and class if e teachers at that .just like how they punish the children and keep them outside the ministry of education needs to punish them also make them punch in and out their time .
      • @ liberate the system (15/02/2016, 10:55) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
        Class five teachers I meant
      • rare (15/02/2016, 16:06) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
        Accountability in the BVIs is as rare as hen's teeth.
      • student (15/02/2016, 18:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        agree ah 100%
      • Nerve (16/02/2016, 15:40) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Some of you talking need to shut up, get off the internet and save your energy to deal with your children so teachers can get a break! We all know that some of you cant wait until Monday to drop them off and make them someone else's problem!!!
        • say no more (16/02/2016, 21:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          It really funny that the dep gov did not find any of the excuses worthy. What excuse could anyone give though....i over slept, I'm not feeling well, the baby was extra fussy this morning, the car broke down, lil john forgot his lunch bag so l had to go back for it,
  • fire them (15/02/2016, 09:59) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    The same house of assembly don't be later too and these are our leaders? U reap what u sow
  • yout three will pay one day (15/02/2016, 11:02) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    The whole education system needs an overhaul . the way the teachers speaks to the children needs to be address .I had to remove my children from Ebenezer because of the way a certain teacher was beating them at the other school they are doing fine and the teachers are nicer
    • frustrated parent (16/02/2016, 06:09) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      At least you all have a choice over there. Parents in Anegada have no choice but to send their kids to a school where the preschool and some primary teachers can do whatever they want.... physical and / or mental abuse, come to school whenever they feel like if they feel like, talk to parents however they want
      You are right
      • Concer parent (18/02/2016, 14:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        The child who bring the cutlass to school and hold it to the other child neck what happen to that child? we are heir talking and no help is given to us in Anegada, things are getting worst at this school and the education department are not doing any thing to help.
    • The change! (16/02/2016, 15:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      There is always a reason for poor performance, but there is no reason for a teacher maltreating a child. Teachers are the most overworked, under paid workers in this country. you have no life when you are a teacher. your days, nights, weekends, vacation time, even family time belong to the government. they are given no materials to perform with, and have to work in the most horrible conditions. overcrowded classes (which realistically should have 2 teachers with the amount of children in them!) with children who do not belong in traditional classrooms but yet they are there in spite of the cries of the teacher. the rooms are hot, there is not enough seating and there are no resources to work with. after a taxing day with the children they are still expected to sit in meetings that go well beyond the 5:00 hour to listen to officials go on and on about "plans" that seem to never manifest, only to go home to more school work and try to fulfil family obligations. Teachers are the first to be hung out to dry, and the last to know about anything. Every government department has deficiencies because they think the employees are machines we are only expected to produce, produce. People always have something negative to say about government employees. They could cut their hearts out and offer it to the dying and they still would be chastised.
  • Power School (15/02/2016, 12:53) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    I like the idea of Power School because I can regularly check up on / monitor my child's grades. If I see any significant changes in my child's grades, then I can take appropriate action. Furthermore, I daily assess my child's behavior and I ensure that we have a good rapport though I know kids can behave one way at home and another way out, but who doesn't - even untrustworthy adults do so.

    At 1 PTA my child said - mommy what you going there for - you ain't see it is a waste of time. My child could have been right or, a statement like that should have raised a red flag to go to the PTA but unfortunately that evening we both had pressing matters to take care of more important than to go PTA that time round. So we missed that one. As a parent, I am well aware that I can always speak to my child's teachers should I wish to.

    At the end of the day, it is those parents who really need to attend PTA are the ones that are not there. And yet, there are parents at the PTA meetings religiously and their kids miserably performing.

    So there goes!!
  • Albion (15/02/2016, 13:16) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    I was at a meeting where the minister came late and left early those silly so called "power moves" are outdated he needs to get with the times of respect and accountability
  • Buzz Bvi (15/02/2016, 13:31) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Try the college.
    Lecturers and felllow students can not turn up on time.
    Guess they all learn it at school.
  • concern parent (15/02/2016, 14:05) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    At the ESHS that power school system upsets me at sometimes we are in the sixth week of second snd some teachers have absolutely no grades in for your child every monday morning you get the same damn update .then there are teacher who when your child do his /her work tell your child she cant find the work and gives them a zero ,but am am a parents waiting to exhale on that teacher.j

  • son of the soil (15/02/2016, 14:45) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    Some of the kidz cant speak properly because they are mimmicking those island teachers (who can speak properly) at the kindergarden schools.
    • Observer (15/02/2016, 16:22) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Your comments always seem to find a way to insult "island people" aka our fellow West Indian brothers and sisters. Smh. Tortola must be a universe in your view then
    • Island teacher grammar police (16/02/2016, 05:22) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      @ son of the soil
      Just for your information: Human beings have children not kidz or kids. The word should be Kindergarten not Kindergarden.
    • Fed Up (16/02/2016, 05:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      which island teacher/teachers speak and spell: MEH SON , YOURS OWN and the list goes on.
    • Lot to laugh @ (16/02/2016, 06:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is just my opinion here... But... The children have the very first teacher that the come into contact with... You the parent... If you would make it your business to speak properly to your child then that child would mimick you ... Right.? Regardless of who or what influences the child undergoes later on in life... It is still your job to correct them if they slip up with the language...as for teachers speaking properly I agree it should be mandatory... As a society on the whole we need to do better...our leaders, (not just politicall )we need to get back to speaking The Queens English Instead of this colloquial mixup we have here...under British rule and law, following and inviting an American system, having Caribbean mentality and tendencies ....what the hell else would we produce but confused citizens.
  • julie (15/02/2016, 16:16) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes because the continent of Tortola speaks soooo well. The Queen is proud isn't she?
    • wellsa (15/02/2016, 18:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      You meant 'speaks good.' Sorry I could not resist. Trust me, only a few people reading this will get it.
  • Disgusted (15/02/2016, 17:27) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Try starting a PTA Meeting on time and see how many parents will be present. It's a known fact that people are rushing from work at that time. Donald has nothing to do but find fault with everybody. There is only one perfect person in the world and that's DONALD de CASTRO.
  • ESHS (15/02/2016, 18:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    yes!!!!! speak it out Mr. decastro!!!!!................when we come late its ah problem( discpline) and when they come late its not a problem!!!
    • please (15/02/2016, 20:29) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      Its a habit to be late..name me one function on Tortola that starts on time. And as for you parents you quick to be the gibberish that comes out your children mouth.. There lives are social media ...they never do work insidebor out the classroom ...never turn in the work then they quick to blames teachers or they say they dont understand...when in actuality they never tried.
  • Apples (15/02/2016, 23:50) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Teachers need to show up to work on time (8:30 a.m.) and leave on time (4:30 p.m.) When they walk through the gate, any work that was incomplete should be left on the desk for the following day. Long hours and hard work mean nothing to this ungrateful bunch.
  • Ps parent (16/02/2016, 06:57) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    When you want ting to talk... I know the school he talking bout ...but he lie ...for the past years my child was in the same school with his... She came out a year before mine and I never had that problem. If they say five they start five. He only tryin to get on good side with deputy gov. How come only now he feel it is a problem " after dealing with it for five years at the asps"

    I agree that standards must be held, I might be stepping out my slot now but think...at my job I am able to cut work 4:25 and prepare to leave...I go home...not a care about the job til 8:00, 8:30 the next morning at work.
    A teacher (married to one) takes work home, marking paper, books, tests, quiz, project, and when dey ain't doing that writing lesson plans for hours. I clocked my wife at twelve hours extra outside the work hours on plans alone. She ain have a life...she always tired always stressed out bout how the children behave...and got to get up every day and go through the same frustration over and over... Would you be rushing to go back there .... Lining up to be beaten down daily? I keep telling ayo who feels it knows ...come home can't sleep...up worrying bout other people children.
    • trrefdrfds (16/02/2016, 15:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Speak the truth people and only the truth!! PTA is called for different reasons, if the reason you showed up is not the agenda of the day then make an appointment with your child teachers. some of you talking know very well you have teachers sitting up in ESHS till some ungodly hour in the night waiting for you to show up and you don't. I have seen teachers not only wait till 7-8 in the night for parents but also called them after they have failed to appear. i have also gone to PTA where teachers made up more than half of the meeting. and those of you that don't see grades in power school its an easy fix, GO IN TO THE TEACHER. If you care so much YOU put yourself out, and stop blaming Tom and Jerry. Some of you don't want to leave the job to come to the school, but Black Friday the ferry loaded down. All of a sudden the same boss who wouldn't give you an hour to go check on your child at school approved several days for you to go shopping. When it is gossip it is held on a banner. Let's face it...Teachers are parents for a number of the children in this community and we all know it ain't biological! Some of the things people on hear yapping about is small stuff, put on your grown up pants and act right!!! We know its broken and WE all have to fix it. Speak the truth!!
  • it rough! (16/02/2016, 21:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The system will get.better when we hire more teachers to help the ones we have carry the load. The public has no idea how much teachers are asked to sacrifice of themselves. It would amaze some of you and l know some of you wouldn't last in it. Do you think it is fair to ask a teacher to teach 2 classes (almost 60 kids!)at the same time, and they are different grades?! This is some of the crap teachers had to deal with. And the fun part is in some cases the teacher did not have a room to even teach in. If I had a driver, personal assistant, a big ac office and a nice fat cheque then of course I'd be skipping to get to work. Heck I'd probably sleep there!
    • @ it rough (18/02/2016, 10:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      i second your motion. i get up at 5 every workday, me and God to get 4 children ready for school. I have NO intention of being late when I do, but things happen. Yesterday morning alone the baby threw up in the car on herself and her sister. I know I should have called in because she had me up most of the night with a fever, but I was pushing to get in to do what i am hired to do. Yes i was out the week before with another child home sick, but is it my fault? Am i expected to drop my children off smelling like vomit or do I drive back up in the yard and get them cleaned up? by the time I had cleaned them up and the car seat an hour had passed. so now i am racing to get into work (because I have to drop all 4 kids off in different places!) with what the deputy governor has said in the back of my mind. And the only thing I can say is Madam is you think you can do this better than me I welcome you to try. I love my job. Teaching is me. I have fed students, cleaned students, sheltered students, paid graduation fees for students instead of my own bills, and the list goes on... I feel like we as government employees don't matter at the end of the day. Our government has lost the heart it once had. There is nothing but empty smiles, everybody wants to put the dagger in your back, and we are losing good people in the government workforce.


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