SJCK Past Students Association pledges its support to principal, staff of the institution

The Past Students Association of the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown has affirmed its support for the principal and staff of the school.{{more}}

A release from the Association said while students have the right to attend a school where the highest quality of education can be obtained, this right cannot violate the rights of other students.

“While we are cognizant of the fact that each student has the right to attend an institution where the highest ‘quality’ education can be obtained, we believe that this should not be in an environment which violates the right of other students to enjoy this same high ‘quality’ or the right of teachers to work in an environment that is free from student hostility, insubordination and outright disrespect,” the release said.

“In an age characterised by declining morality, lack of discipline, ethical standards and Christian principles, it is regrettable that an institution such as the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, which has served this nation for the past 67 years, producing many women of high standing in our society and for which these have become synonymous with ‘quality’ education is now being called upon to compromise these very principles.”

The release said the SJCK Past Student Association will continue to rally around the principal and staff, “as they continue to emphasize the inculcation of academic excellence, moral values and spiritual awareness in their students so that they can go out into the world as beacons of light and hope.”

The release follows a suit brought against the school by the parent of a child who was transferred from the school to the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia. The parent has challenged the transfer and over the last few weeks, there has been some unrest at the school. On September 23, teachers protested the return of the child to the school by walking off the job, and on October 7, the students staged a picket. The matter is scheduled to be heard in court on November 15.