As parents of students at Peters Ville School, we are deeply troubled by the ongoing issue of non-payment of fees to our children’s teachers. This situation has reached a crisis point, and it is essential to bring it to the attention of the broader community and the relevant authorities.
Unpaid Salaries and Financial Hardship
Teachers at Peters Ville School have not received their salaries since the end of the second term. Despite their repeated requests and pleas, the administration has continually deferred payment, offering excuses about banking issues or vague promises of payment “tomorrow.” This financial neglect has placed immense strain on the teachers, impacting their ability to support themselves and their families.
Deterioration in Teaching and Learning Conditions
The failure to pay salaries has significantly affected the quality of education at Peters Ville School. Our dedicated teachers, now demoralized and financially burdened, are struggling to maintain their previous levels of performance and enthusiasm. The lack of basic teaching materials, such as chalk, further hampers their ability to conduct effective lessons, directly affecting our children’s education.
Disruption of School Operations
Just last week, the school was unexpectedly locked, forcing parents to take their children back home. This abrupt closure disrupted the students’ education and underscored the severe administrative and financial issues plaguing the school. Such disruptions are unacceptable and undermine the trust we place in the school to provide a stable learning environment.
Impact on Teacher Well-Being and Staff Shortages
The continuous financial strain and lack of administrative support have visibly affected the teachers’ well-being. They often appear stressed, depressed, and overworked. Additionally, the departure of key staff members, such as the Kindergarten and Grade Three teachers, has left significant gaps in the school’s instructional staff. These positions have not been filled, further diminishing the quality of education.
Unpaid NIS Contributions
Compounding the problem, it has come to our attention that the teachers’ National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions have not been paid since June of last year. This neglect puts the teachers’ health and retirement benefits at risk, adding to their financial insecurity and stress.
Student Safety Concerns
There have been incidents where student safety was compromised, and the administration failed to handle these situations appropriately. These events raise serious concerns about the overall safety and well-being of our children while at school.
Urgent Call to Action
We, as concerned parents, urgently call upon the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities to intervene and address these critical issues at Peters Ville School. Immediate action is needed to ensure that our teachers receive their due salaries and that the school can provide a stable, safe, and effective learning environment for our children. If these problems persist, many parents, including ourselves, may be forced to consider transferring our children to other schools.
Sincerely,
Concerned Parents of Peters Ville School Students
