Minister for Education, Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) is exercising a zero tolerance towards indiscipline among students. Photo: VINO/File

Fights among students both in the school environment and public settings and truancy have especially been a concern for Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). Photo: VINO/File

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Dr Marcia Potter has said the Ministry will commission a review of the Students Code of Conduct 2006. Photo: GIS/File

“The Minister wishes to reiterate zero tolerance for indiscipline among students. He asked me to stress that. He is going to have zero tolerance for indiscipline among students,” Dr Potter emphasised at the opening of Summer Institute 2019, being held during the week of August 26 – 30, 2019, under the theme “Engage, Encourage, Empower- Educate” at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Paraquita Bay, Tortola.

Fights among students both in the school environment and public settings and truancy have especially been a concern for Dr Wheatley.

According to Dr Potter, who addressed the teachers in the absence of Dr Wheatley, a special committee was established and a meeting was held where some very good suggestions were tabled, “and an action plan inclusive of a timeline will be developed to execute the actions towards improving discipline in schools.”

Dr Potter added that the Education Ministry will commission a review of the Students Code of Conduct 2006. She said aspects to be included will be the positive reinforcement for behaviours and further guidance for administrators in the areas of school discipline.

Further, a truancy officer has now been assigned to the sister islands and will work with principals to improve areas of discipline.

Education Advisory Board

Dr Potter also announced that very early in this academic year the Education Minister will seek to put an Education Advisory Board in place to advise the Minister on education matters and the growth and development of the education sector.

She said the Board will be made up of present and past educators as well as individuals to represent the business community, higher education, parents and the religious community.

“We have already been utilising the special committee’s component in developing proposals to guide various projects and this we will continue to do,” Dr Potter stated.