There was poor attendance at schools throughout the country today.

  “At the secondary level student attendance was 18% while at the primary level 29% of students came out to classes,” according to statistics provided by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

  And this in spite of repeated calls by the MOE for students attend classes on Ash Wednesday.

  “Parents chose to keep students away from classes though teachers were in schools and prepared for curriculum delivery,” the MOE stated.

   “Teacher attendance at secondary level ranged from 72% in South Eastern Education District to 78% in both St. George East and St. Patrick Education Districts with an average attendance of 75.62% nationally.   At the primary level, teacher attendance ranged from 72% in North Eastern Education District to 86% in the Victoria Education District with a national average attendance of 79.75%, which was an increase from 76.7% in 2019.

   “Parents must ensure that students understand that there is a balance between work and play. Every other sector of Trinidad and Tobago returns to work as normal on Ash Wednesday, there is no reason for the closure of schools. The attendance of our teachers is reflective of the value teachers place on quality curriculum delivery and as such, the only factor affecting schools normal operations on Ash Wednesday would be parents,”  Education Minister Anthony Garcia said.

  “Students’ attendance at the secondary level was low in all Education Districts, ranging from 11% in South Eastern Education District to 26% in Port of Spain & Environs Education District with a national average of 18%.

   “At the primary level, attendance was also low in all Education Districts, ranging from 16 % in North Eastern Education District to 35% in Victoria Education District with a national average of 29%.

   “Parents and guardians are advised to act responsibly by sending their children out to school on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th February 2020 in order to take full advantage of the educational opportunities provided for them,” the MOE stated.