Dear Sir/Madam,
We would like to bring to your attention a problem that has a huge impact on the future of our children. Our children, who were students at Saba Comprehensive School academic year 2020-2021 completed Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams in June-July 2021, and Cambridge B1 level Dutch in 2020 and 2021. To our best knowledge, this CSEC and the B1 were the requirements to receive a diploma. In the last half year our children were patiently waiting to receive their diploma, which would give them an entrance to their next step in their education.
On Thursday, January 27, at 9:38am, via email these students and their parents were informed that the students would receive a high school certificate and not a diploma because they do not have a B2 level of Dutch. This email was sent by Anton Hermans, the principal. This was the first time that this information was shared with students and parents that the students were not eligible for a high school diploma. We feel it is negligent to have not imparted this information to the students and parents in an appropriate timeline.
We would like to address and have answers for the following:
1. Why were neither the students nor the parents ever informed that B2 level Dutch was a requirement for a diploma, as this information has an undeniable impact on the students’ future? We would like to see where this is stated in the law and exactly when this change took place.
2. What was the purpose of withholding the knowledge for more than a year that the class of 2021 would be receiving certificates and not diplomas? Graduation plans were made by Saba Comprehensive School and still transparency was not forthcoming.
3. Why did Saba Comprehensive School register the class of 2021 for Cambridge B1 level and not B2 level Dutch even though Anton Hermans had this information?
4. How does this affect the opportunities for our children who are taking the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)?
5. Three students are currently in universities with the potential for expulsion if diplomas are not provided, and other students cannot complete their applications without their diplomas. How are you going to solve this problem for these children?
6. Why was no alternative plan designed and executed to ensure that class of 2021 met the B2 level Dutch? Certainly, a discussion with the parents and students would have been welcomed.
7. Via telephone conversation, on Thursday, January 27, at 2:55pm Anton Hermans informed Shenella Livestone and Lisette Riley that he knew from 2020 that B2 level Dutch was a requirement for a diploma. He stated that the law went into effect in August 2021 and was retroactive. Why did the school or the board not act nor communicate this knowledge in any way?
8. How will the school repair this gross error and the negative impact this has on our children?
It is unconscionable, disrespectful, negligent, unprofessional, unethical and unacceptable for the principal to have not acted upon this information for two years. Anton Hermans stated via telephone that he forgot that he had not told the students and parents about the B2 level Dutch requirement for a diploma. This is a vote of No Confidence for the principal and the supervisory board. For such gross negligence, they must be held accountable.
We kindly request a meeting with you to discuss this issue that immediately impacts the class of 2021. We must come to a quick and satisfactory solution. We expect a response before Friday, February 4.
Shenella Livestone
On behalf of the parents and Class of 2021
