Despite a few showers, there was excitement as students returned to the classrooms at several public schools yesterday.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, visited some children as they prepared to take their places for lessons after the summer break.

“So far it’s been a good back-to-school experience,” he said, after visiting Prospect Primary School.

He added: “We haven’t seen any particular problems.

“We had blessings of showers to welcome us back, which I’m sure put a damper on some people for that. But so far, so good.

“It’s been a wonderful back-to-school experience.”

Mr Rabain was at CedarBridge Academy earlier yesterday morning.

“They did some things for the children to excite them being back into school,” he said.

Students lined up outside the high school, exchanging greetings and cheers as they welcomed their peers back to school.

In a back-to-school message this week, the Progressive Labour Party highlighted the “important” role played by people involved in the education system.

“Whether you are entering primary school, middle school, high school, or pursuing higher education, we encourage you to embrace this academic year with determination and optimism,” the PLP said.

“Education is the foundation upon which our future is built and each of you plays an important role in shaping the future of Bermuda,” it said.

The party encouraged the islands’ students to take full advantage of the opportunities they were offered.

It advised: “Stay curious, work hard and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Remember that your perseverance and passion for learning will open doors to countless possibilities.”

The PLP said it recognised the “dedication and tireless efforts” of teachers and school staff in guiding and nurturing the minds of the islands’ children.

It added: “And to our parents, thank you for the important role you play in your children’s educational journey.

“Your support and encouragement make all the difference.”

Prospect Primary School and Gilbert Institute are scheduled to close next June as part of the Government’s plans to restructure the public school system.

Asked whether those plans had any impact on Prospect’s school population, Mr Rabain said: “I believe that a few students have transferred to [other] public schools.”

He added: “There hasn’t been that big of a decrease at this particular school even though it is scheduled to close at the end of this school year.”

Mr Rabain said that the Ministry of Education was committed to working with parents and children to make sure the transition to other schools goes smoothly.

Prospect is to be reopened as a signature school for students with exceptionalities.

The minister said it would operate in tandem with the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, which caters for children with learning disabilities.

He explained: “What we are finding is that more and more of our students are showing these types of diagnoses and we need to be able to put the type of resources in place to make sure that they get everything that they need.”

Asked about feedback on the repurposing plans of Prospect, he said: “There has been nothing but positiveness about it. If there has been any complaint it is the amount of time it has taken to actually get that particular school opened.”

Mr Rabain said during the upcoming school term, the ministry would hold discussions with parents on the next phase of transition plans, which would include timelines for when the school would reopen in its new form.

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