11 additional schools taken off shift system

Eleven additional schools have been taken off the shift system by the Ministry of Education and Youth.

This, of the remaining 34 that were utilising the system since 2020, Portfolio Minister Fayval Williams has said.

Williams, who made the disclosure in a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, said the most recent institutions to be de-shifted are Ocho Rios Primary in St Ann, Bridgeport High School in St Catherine and Papine High School in St Andrew.

She further reaffirmed the ministry’s and, by extension, the Government’s commitment to taking all schools off the shift system.

“De-shifting schools ensures that students receive enough contact time for lessons, that they can attend school at reasonable hours and even participate in well-needed extracurricular activities,” Williams said.

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Meanwhile, the minister extended best wishes for the 2024/25 academic year to all education stakeholders, including board members, principals, teachers, administrative teams, support staff, students, parents and families.

“Educators, we thank you, and students, we welcome you and look forward to being a part of your development and growth. The ministry is unwavering in its commitment to education and, along with the team members, believes in the power of education, not only as a transformative tool but as a basic fundamental human right for all Jamaicans,” she stated.