Developments at the Comprehensive School

Saba Comprehensive School (SCS) director Hemmie van Xanten was optimistic about the prospects of the school’s 99 students, but declined to comment on any rumours concerning changes within the school board, at the start of the new school year, reported the Daily Herald. Chief of the Fire Department Julio Every stepped down from the board due to increased responsibilities and several upcoming courses on Bonaire. Van Xanten is said to have been very pleased with the past year’s CXC and MBO exam results, which are expected to be officially published soon.

Asked about any expected changes at the school this year, van Xanten said the administration “will focus mainly on the continuation of the curriculum outline development and individual teacher training and support to improve the level of teaching.” He said the majority of pupils are in the first forms. This led to the decision to create two first-form groups and recruit an extra teacher who would focus on their specific needs. The school hired a new Dutch language teacher. Van Xanten also mentioned that the school board has selected two other teachers who are expected to come from Jamaica. Unfortunately, and due to the lengthy immigration and naturalization procedure, the two could not be brought over in time for the start of the academic year. The school has not yet contracted a visual arts teacher.