Efforts to accommodate students from the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) and Goodwill Secondary School (GSS) continue as the Ministry of Education works to finalize arrangements amid ongoing construction at the DGS campus. Education Minister Octavia Alfred emphasized that relocating GSS students to the Newtown Primary School for the upcoming term is part of a broader plan to ensure minimal disruption to teaching and learning.
According to Alfred, the simultaneous use of DGS by both schools has significantly impacted the pace of renovation work. Contractors have been unable to proceed with certain phases of construction due to heavy machinery requirements and safety concerns associated with ongoing classes. After exploring multiple options and consulting with stakeholders, the Ministry of Education has decided on a shift system to accommodate students effectively.
Starting in January 2025, GSS students will be housed at the Newtown Primary School and operate on a structured shift system. Secondary-level education logistics, Alfred explained, are more complex due to the larger student population and the need to maintain curriculum standards. The Ministry has also coordinated transportation for GSS students, ensuring that those not currently part of the government’s program are accommodated.
Meanwhile, fifth-form students of GSS will continue utilizing the Alliance Française building, as previously arranged. For DGS, upper-grade students will use the unaffected corehouse areas of the school, while the contractor has agreed to limit noisy or dust-generating activities during class hours.
The Ministry has also made provisions for students engaged in technical skills training, such as crop production, which will now take place at the Botanic Gardens. Additional arrangements for SBA-related programs and other logistics have been finalized in consultation with teachers and parents.
While Alfred acknowledged that initial adjustments might encounter minor challenges, she expressed confidence that students and staff would settle into their new arrangements within two weeks. These measures, she added, reflect the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to students’ education.
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