By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE pupil of the Williamsville Secondary School who stabbed her schoolmate outside the school’s compound has been expelled.
The decision was made by the Ministry of Education.
In a media release on Wednesday, the ministry stated, “This decision was taken based on the heinous nature of the action, perpetrated even as the student was actively receiving the support of the Student Support Services Division (SSSD) at school.”
The ministry has referred the family to the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) for intervention.
On Monday, videos were widely shared on social media of two female pupils of the Williamsville Secondary School fighting near to the school’s compound resulting in one being stabbed with a knife and requiring medical care.
The Ministry of Education re-issued guidelines to principals the following day for dealing with incidents of school violence which states that any pupil who commits a serious offence while in school uniform whether on or off the school’s compound can be expelled from the school.
Maintaining a safe and secure learning environment is a responsibility of the Ministry of Education, and the provisions of the Education Act and the existing National Code of Conduct will be utilised in furtherance of this, the ministry stated in its Wednesday release.
The Ministry of Education said the suspension and expulsion of pupils were not desired outcomes and while measures have been instituted at schools to encourage positive behaviour, the importance of parents discharging their duty to regulate their children’s behaviour was of dire importance.
The Student Support Service Division (SSSD) is staffed with over 700 personnel such as Guidance Counsellors, School Social Workers, Special Education Instructors, Psychologists and Diagnostic Specialists.
These officers operate throughout approximately 625 public primary, secondary and special schools.
While existing vacancies are being filled, it must be noted that the work of these officers is most effective with the cooperation of parents, and interventions at the level of the family, the ministry said.
It added that as such, families of all pupils who are displaying negative behaviour will be referred to the Social Development Ministry for intervention outside of the school environment, as the behaviour is often linked to family issues, and the problems they present with cannot be solved simply at the level of the school.
While the intervention of Community Police in 14 schools has reduced the level of serious fights within their compounds, the Ministry continues to monitor the schools without a history of violence that are now having disturbances, and the growing trend of pupils leaving the school compound, where patrols and vigilance have been heightened, to fight in the streets.
The Ministry of Education has formally requested that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) increase patrols in all districts at the close of the school day. “The Ministry of Education will continue to collaborate and partner with all stakeholders, Ministries and their agencies, as we do what is required to maintain the safety and security of our nation’s schools.” the ministry stated.
