…as schools nationwide reopens today
Education Minister Sonia Parag has assured parents, teachers and students that schools across the country are prepared to welcome learners for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year today, as she wished all stakeholders the best for the new term. In a video message to parents and learners on Sunday, Parag said the new school year represents a fresh beginning for students entering nursery, primary and secondary schools. While acknowledging that the transition can bring excitement and anxiety for both children and parents, Parag encouraged the learners to embrace the opportunities ahead. “I welcome all of our beautiful babies back to school tomorrow. It’s a new beginning for our children and I don’t want them to feel intimidated; I don’t want them to feel anxious,” Parag noted. “As we get into our new school year for 2026-2027, to all of our babies who are coming nursery, primary, secondary, I want to welcome you. You will be meeting new friends and you will be creating bonds that may last a lifetime. Teamwork is a great thing. Always respect your teachers. Always respect your fellow students” Parag also recognised that returning to school after the holidays may not be welcomed by every child. She noted that while some students are excited about entering secondary school, younger children starting school for the first time may experience anxiety.
“I’ve spoken to some students, some of them are very excited about getting into high school, as we know it, and you know, you ask them, so why are you excited? And they tell you straight up, because I’m going to be a big boy or a big girl, you know, so they’re excited about going into that phase of their life,” she said. “And then you have nursery students who, of course, for the first time they’re coming into school and you will have that anxiety from both parents as well as their children. I would have experienced that a couple years ago, and you have this little, the strength of your heart, they’re tugged at when you drop off your children for the first time at school.” To the parents, Parag acknowledged that there would be challenges in getting children ready for school, including early mornings and traffic.
“Parents, I know tomorrow you’re going to be getting up really early, I am too. I know you have to battle with the traffic and I really hope that the traffic is kind to you as well as me tomorrow morning when I’m heading to school to drop off my son as well,” she shared. Parag thanked education officials and school personnel who worked during the holiday period to ensure schools were ready for reopening. She stressed that the Ministry remains committed to providing the resources and infrastructure needed to support students, while noting that education extends beyond academic achievement. “I want to say thank you to all of the officers, all of the HMs (Headmaster/Headmistress), all of the teachers who have worked in the Ministry of Education, the REOs (Regional Executive Officers), the REDOs (Regional Education Officers), who have worked with us this holiday to ensure that schools are prepared and ready to be opened for our students and open their doors,” the Minister noted. “School is a natural part of all of our lives and we’re really happy at the Ministry of Education to be able to provide resources, infrastructure as well as other resources for our children to thrive and to be successful at their exams and to be successful in life because it’s not just academics as well.” She commended teachers for the role they play in supporting students academically and emotionally.
“I know that teachers will dedicate their time and their effort and also give that little extra to ensure that their children are compassionate and ensure that their children are successful but also on the softer side of things help them to manage their feelings and maneuver the grade that they’re in.”
Another examination cycle begins
The Minister also called on teachers to give their best as another examination cycle begins. “To our teachers who are coming back I say to you give your all because it’s another cycle of examinations. It’s another cycle of you shining as a teacher because when your students do well it ultimately tells a story about you as well. So I want to say good luck to all of you,” she said. Using a Grade Three classroom at St Gabriel’s Primary School as an example, Parag said the learning environment can help ease the concerns of students entering a new grade or school. “We are in a Grade Three classroom and it is brightly coloured, so when students walk into this classroom, they are feeling like sunshine, and that lifts their mood if they’re feeling anxious or if they’re feeling a bit nervous about starting school for the first time,” Parag pointed out. She said providing children with access to education and ensuring they take advantage of those opportunities remain priorities for the Ministry. “Educating our children, giving them that opportunity and ensuring that they make use of the opportunity and I can assure you and I commit to you that as the Minister of Education I will ensure that I work with all stakeholders to strengthen our system as well as to allow our children to have all of the resources that they need to be successful,” Parag said. Parag’s Sunday message comes as she spent the past few days visiting schools across the country, reassuring parents and students that public schools are prepared to receive learners come Monday morning.
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