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Letter to Editor
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Monday, 02 July 2012 02:30
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By Kendall Samuel
Antigua St John's - The words “concerned” and “parents” often find themselves thrown together, especially in instances where parents’ plans for their children run headlong into adverse reality.
Such is the case regarding a church school and a family whose 5-year-old son was surprisingly barred from re-admittance after attending the institution from the age of 4 months.
Kendall Samuel questions why the Baptist Academy has opted to take such action mere days after an annual school ending ceremony that saw his son, Kijahrie Samuels, being awarded a place on the Principal’s Honor Roll of Excellence.
Samuel said the decision seems to have come from the level of the Board of Directors. Baptist Academy decided not to renew the annual contract that has to be signed by the principal at the end of every school year in order for the child to be readmitted to the academy.
“On Tuesday 19th June, 2012 at the annual school ending ceremony, my son received an award of certificate for being listed on the ‘Principal’s Honour Roll of Excellence’ which was presented to him by Pastor Hensworth Jonas. And by Friday 22nd June, 2012, I was told he was no longer accepted in the academy,” the father said.
Samuels said the information was given verbally and a request for a written explanation as to why the child can no longer attend school was reportedly denied outright.
Caribarena contacted the institution for clarification on the matter and was put on hold almost immediately after mentioning the name of the student.
Miss Barlow, the receptionist, who says she also handles enrollment matters, said she would need permission from her supervisor before she could discuss the matter.
“My son has been a member of the Baptist Academy from the tender age of 4 months and I cannot recall there ever having been an issue with my son or myself with the Academy or its principles, for ever breaching any rules or regulations. His school fees have always been paid on time and I have even been known to pay the fee a year in advance,” he continued.
The distraught parent noted also that while he too has never had any negative encounters with the school or its management, he does recall an instance of alleged trespassing.
“I was informed,” said Mr. Samuel, “that Pastor Jonas showed up and in a conversation with my employees, mentioned to them that: ‘I must remember that my son attends his school’. This was my one and only interaction with anyone in authority from the Baptist Academy.
“I am now faced with the task of informing my son that he has been expelled from the academy and will not be returning to the only institution he has ever been a part of for all his life, without a reason. I have been searching the Bible asking God to tell me of a justification as to why my son is being treated in this manner and I can find none.”
The father full letter is printed below:
Borad of Directors ECBM
Dr. Hensworth W.C. Jonas,
GCH, BA, MA, DPTh, DMin-Principal
Mrs. Vandah Jonas, B.B.S.-Senior Vice Principal
(Office Administration & Early Childhood Education)
Mrs. Karen Wehner, B.A.-Vice Principal (Secondary Education)
Ms. Nadine Smith, B.Sc., M.Ed.-Vice Principal (Elementary Education)
I am KENDALL SAMUELS, father of five (5) year old KIJAHRIE SAMUELS a former student of the Baptist Academy. My reason for this letter is to ascertain the reason as to why the Board of Directors of Baptist Academy decided not to renew the annual contract which has to be signed by the principal at the end of every school year in order for my son to be readmitted to the academy.
On Tuesday 19th June, 2012 at the annual school ending ceremony, my son received an award of certificate for being listed on the ‘Principal’s Honour Roll of Excellence’ which was presented to him by Pastor Hensworth Jonas and by Friday 22nd June, 2012, I was told he was no longer accepted in the academy.
Upon receiving the information verbally that the Contract would not be renewed by Ms. Nadine Smith, his mother then asked for an explanation to be given either verbally or written and was denied.
My son has been a member of the Academy from the tender age of 4 months and I cannot recall there have ever been an issue with my son nor myself with the Academy or its principles, for ever breaching any rules or regulations and his school fees has always been paid on time and I have even been known, to pay the fee a year in advance.
The only time that I know of ever having a discussion with anyone in authority from the academy in the almost 5 years my son has been attending the institution, was concerning a matter which had absolutely nothing to do with my son nor the academy and that was June 2011, when Pastor Hensworth Jonas contacted me via phone and accused me of trespassing on his land located in Carlisle. I requested time from him to investigate the matter to which Pastor Jonas seemed not to be willing to grant.
However I realise the seriousness of his accusation when he mentioned that his land mark and vegetation had been destroyed. I ended our conversation and did my investigations. I completed my investigations in a matter of minutes where I was informed that I was not responsible for what Pastor Jonas had accused me of and the person who was responsible for the damage was informed of it and had been asked to contact Pastor Jonas, to which he agreed.
After completing my investigation I then attempted to contact Pastor Jonas via phone from the number which he called me, which was the number from the Academy to explain my findings to him but I was told he had already left the compound.
Just as I left the area in Carlisle I was informed that Pastor Jonas showed up and in a conversation with my employees, mentioned to them that “I must remember that my son attends his school”. This was my one and only interaction with anyone in authority from the Baptist Academy.
I am now faced with the task of informing my son that he has been expelled from the academy and will not be returning to the only institution he has ever been apart of for all his life, without a reason. I have been searching the Bible asking God to tell me of a justification as to why my son is being treated in this manner and I can find none.
Lost and Bewildered;
Kendall Samuel
70 Comments In This Article
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
WWJD? Is this the proper way of behaving? Aren't we not adults?! and its instances like these which will have a negative effect for then we begin to wonder what other things might ' set him off'. Now isee the warning we all got as children " You are known by the company you keep and the innocent will suffer for the guilty." Its a pity it had to be his son!
EW
an opinion that has no preference
Teacher
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
St. Pauls
< 3 year old Expelled from Methodist Church School
Lin
WHERE IS THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION?
This is where I expect the Ministry of Education to step in.
The parents should have a petition done so that the Ministry can act as they should.
Is everyone afraid of Jonas?
HAMMIE
Audrey
audrey taylor
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
Yessai
History and the whole picture
surprised
@Amazed
Me
re surprise
again
History and the whole picture
surprised
Hold On Dr. Jonas
Just Saying
re wow
Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things.
fnpsr
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
verb (used with object), ex·pelled, ex·pel·ling.
1.to drive or force out or away; discharge or eject:
2. to cut off from membership or relations: to expel a student from a college.
Necessary
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
WOW!
8 Year Old Expelled
Perfect Timing
re slythatguy
The mother can now bring suit against the school for violation of her son's rights. Even in Antigua, I am certain that a court would find in her favor.
Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things.
fnpsr
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
Confused
@ fnprs
SlyThatGuy
re: slythatguy
You have not addressed the issue, which is whether or not the principal should have expelled the student?
I have already said what I would do if this were my child. I would like to know what you would do if it were your child?
“Let’s fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things.”
fnpsr
not surprised
Mr. Kendall Samuel, explain to your son that he did nothing wrong. There are lots of other great primary schools on the island that would love to have him. He will make new friends and learn new things. Tell him to look at it as a new & exciting adventure. He is young & bright and will do well in any stimulating environment.
DJ
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
SlyThatGuy
@ Guest
As my Bishop used to say: WWJD? In other words: "What Would Jesus Do?" If you were in the time of Jesus I guess you would have shunned Mary Magdalene? Remember her? The ** that Jesus saved and befriended?
In the USA that little child would have had the entire media putting pressure on "Rev" Jonas to apologize! However, I expect him to come to the media with a rational explanation, failing that the matter should be investigated and if he is at fault, he should lose his licence to operate a school!
I'm sorry for the little child! I wish "Rev" Jonas or his Wife would feel some compassion to reverse their decision!
May the Good Lord have Mercy on the "reverend" and his wife - and all the other Directors who failed to stand up for this little child!
The Saint
Just saying.......
The question that I am asking each and everyone of you who have posted on this topic, those who have children past and present at this "God forsaken" school, what are you going to do?
Keep in mind today it is mr samuel, tomorrow it could be only "God" knows who?
How many of us are willing to keep our children out of this school for a day to show this child that this not the way things should be done?
How many of us are willing to set an example and march into this $%&8 office and deman an answer?
LET MR SAMUEL KNOW.........sh ow of hands!!!
nameless---again
x is God
Judge DREDD
CxxT
DAVE
CxxT
DAVE
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
Al
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
concerned parent
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
regrettably, this is something he does not do very well... It can't be your way or no way that is not how life works......
Well I guess by this time tomorrow Mr Jonas or a representative of the school will say what they need to say on the matter..... The one thing i did not like was when x mentioned that the xxxx does not xxxx to far from the xxxx. that was not cool at all. At the end of the day we got to be reminded that this child has been scared and will be asking himself what did i do wrong mom or dad... :(
concerned parent
Dissapointed
Uknown
when you know better you do better-Maya Angelou
After all this is a faith based institution of excellence which can only be achieved thru discipline and hardwork work.If maybe you cant adhere to rules and regulations just take your child to another place of choice,educatio n is both a right and a priviledge.
It will onlybe wise to hear the 2nd part of the story then we can all draw the parallel and deduce the truth,until then pls pastor Jonas could just be as innocent as the child.
'EDUCATION IS THE ABILITY TO LISTEN TO ALMOST ANYTHING WITHOUT LOSING YOUR TEMPER OR SELF CONFIDENCE"-Rob ert Frost
Galileo
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
Smoke n Mirrors
SHAME
CONCERNED PARENT
re rupertj
let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things.
fnpsr
100
Emperah
WAITING TO SEE
VGB
five year old expelled
rupert j.
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
Perry th Platypus
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
Smoke n Mirrors
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
"Here x am being crusified by clueless cowards or should i say empty vessels that are obviously making the most noise. We operate our school by standards and principles and are not about to let a bad apple which hasnt fallen too far from the tree to spoil the bunch."
Are all these people clueless or are you the one that is CLUELESS? You are obviously on the payroll so its expected of you to speak like thit. Jobs are hard to come by now......
Friend
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
Angry Parent
Judge not
Guest
I am away on business but this is my dribble, find the DNA
It would be nice to hear the pastor's side and it also would be nice to hear from PLM, Eric and Cool Ruler about issues not pertaining to politics; red, blue, pink and white.
My policy is not to come to a definite decision until i believe i have all the facts and in this case, i don't.
my way of helping
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
Concern Antiguan
...power & authority...
Jumbee Picknee
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
This young man obviously worked hard and it's sad to know that he has to leave an institution that he has been apart of for basically his whole life, without a "VALID" reason. I'm not even gonna go into that he is a man of God because that is the disappointing factor to it all. The main point that it comes down to is that answers most be given.
Curious Observer
Romans 8:28
Fret not thyself about the actions of Hensworth. Remember what happened to Joseph at the hands of his own brothers??? "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good ..." Gen 50:20
No weapon formed against you shall prosper Isaiah 54:17
Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In ALL thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6
Romans 8:28
poor judgement
cindy
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Pumpkin Fritters
boycott the school - part 2 & final
What does the PTA of the school have to say about this matter? Are they going to sit on the sidelines and silently acquiesce? Today it is somebody else’s kid; tomorrow it will be your kid.
There is strength in numbers and there should be a boycott against the school, calling for the removal of the Principal. This kind of arbitrary and capricious behavior cannot be allowed to continue. Where is the Lone Wolf?
“Let’s fix the little things with RWE, before we attempt to fix the big things?
fnpsr
boycott the school - part 1
It is unfortunate that a five-year-old is caught in the crosshairs of two grown men who cannot settle a dispute in a civil way.
From my vantagepoint, I believe that the five-year-old rights have been violated. And yes, he has rights! According to the article, he has done noting to warrant expulsion from school. In fact, he is an exemplary student and should be congratulated.
It appears to me that the Principal has acted arbitrarily and outside of his scope and as such should be investigated by the authority that grants licenses to operate as a school.
fnpsr
Cause for Concern
Suffer not the children
Disappointed
Amused
Whether Pastor Jonas is right or wrong I don't know. I do know it's wrong to condemn someone without all the facts though
Common Cents
@ Amazed
Johnny
FIRE GO BUN THEM
SHADOW
Antigua People too Nuff
Amazed
Joanas
God has brought down bigger and more powerful men than him!
I find that he reminds me of his x x! It must be in the x?
Moby Dick
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
What is sad is that this is someone who is a shepherd to many sheep. x x x x
Yikes!!!
man of the ALMIGHTY or MAN of the x
I really wonder, what is the ministry of education going to do with people and situations like this? Isn't too many complaints coming about such a schools for years that someone in the education systems head should have noticed and reprimand the school? hmmm, I guess all we are left with is the just reward that we have read from the bible and what it says Christ would do for people and their works!
And please don't bring lame excuse that the school has 100% p** in academics when at the end of the day a child learns how to bring negativity through the works of his educators.
pied piper
strick again
I would have already found a new school since last year and not allow Jonas to dismiss him.
I often wonder how in life sensible parents send their children to his school. The man is so full of himself. Again it would have to be the last the last school for me to spend my money.
Reverse the Hurse
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
For Sure
jonas strick again
Jonas need to remember that the GOD he serve belongs to all of us and not just for him and his followers>
Lord have mercy on his soul, he will have plenty to tell God.
Reverse the Hurse
Forbid not the children
1. Matthew 19-14: Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
2. Mark 9-42: "And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck."
Or I could help you find a mill stone. You choose.
Fire For Babywrong
five year old expelled from school
slim
shame on Jonas
concerned parent
5 year old expelled from school
slim
RE: Five Year Old Expelled From Church School
Skyewill
Sales Representastive
Judy Butters
Disgusted
Yvonne
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