Teachers call on Minister ‘to support’ Zabbar primary

The Malta Union of Teachers has written to Education Minister Evarist Bartolo and to high officials at the Education Directorate calling for their support for what they have described as “deteriorating situation” at the Zabbar primary school.

MUT president Kevin Bonello has confirmed that the union has issued a directive directing its members to leave a Year 2 classroom when a particular child is present. The directive however does not apply to a supply teacher who is currently responsible of this particular class.

The matter dates back to March when a teacher was disciplined after ordering a 6-year-old child to kneel down in front of his classmates as they laughed at him. The teacher received a written warning but according to the MUT, matters have escalated as the class has now become “uncontrollable”.

MaltaToday is informed that the teacher in question is now out on leave and a supply teacher has taken over.

Bonello said that parents have now contacted the MUT expressing concern over the “behavioural problems” of a number of students in the same class.

“A grandparent said her grandchild was assaulted by another child and repeatedly banged against the interactive whiteboard,” the MUT said. The incident happened in the same class.

Bonello said the Education Minister should support the school and help it restore a working environment that leads to effective teaching.

Contacted by MaltaToday, a spokesperson for the minister said “the ministry will be backing all decisions by the school administration”.