When looking at fundamental services that need to be restored on Sint Maarten, getting the schools up and running is near the top of the list. Kids haven’t been in school for three weeks.
Today, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports announced that 18 out of the 27 schools in Sint Maarten have electricity and 12 have water. They continue to work with NV GEBE, Telem and UTS, to ensure the restoration of electricity, water and telecommunications to the schools will remain on target.
A soft opening for the schools is set for September 28, and will allow students to inspect their school materials, and speak with their teachers, peers and guidance counselors. The official start date will be October 2, 2017. Here is a list of schools that will be open:
- The Foundation Catholic Education school board consisting of St. Dominic Primary and High School, the Sister Regina Primary School, the St. Joseph Primary School, the Sister Magda Primary School, the Sister Borgia Primary School, and the Sister Marie Laurence Primary School will reopen for all grades and cycles.
- The SVOBE school board consisting of the Milton Peters College and the Sundial School will be operational for pre exam and exam classes.
- The FAVE school board consisting of the Academy, Academy PSVE and CAPE will also be operational for pre exam and exam classes. The Methodist Agogic Center, the Asha Stevens and Hillside Christian Schools will also be open.
- All Public Schools will be open for pre exam and exam classes, while other classes will be announced once more information is available and teacher availability is determined.
- As of Wednesday, September 27th, the National Institute for Professional Advancement will no longer be utilized as a shelter, and will be ready for classes on Monday.
- The University of St. Martin has granted the Charlotte Brookson Academy the use of three classrooms, which will allow them to open on October 2.
- The University of St. Martin and the Seventh Day Adventist School are still in the process of assessing the nature and severity of the damage and availability of classrooms and staff. Once that information has been determined, additional updates will be announced.
- Learning Unlimited has commenced classes on Monday September 25.
In addition, school boards have met internally and have made provisions to house students in collaboration with sister schools.
