MARIGOT--Parents of pupils attending Siméon Trott nursery school have reacted with bewilderment and concern over what they say is the intention of the Northern Islands school district inspector, Fanny Giausseran, to abolish the bilingual classes in the Moyenne Section (MS), Grand Section (GS), and Cours Préparatoire (CP) year groups.
It was at the end-of-the-year meeting organised by the nursery school management that the “news came completely out of the blue.”
The parents have written to the Recteur of the Guadeloupe Academy, Gabriele Fioni, to complain and seek clarity on an issue which they believe has wider implications for the future of the bilingual programme in the Northern Islands.
“This unilateral announcement raises numerous administrative and educational questions on our part, which we wish to put to you. Indeed, what are the specific reasons and institutional justifications for the abrupt discontinuation of this programme from the “Moyenne Section” to Year 1”? They asked in the letter.
“Furthermore, on what quantitative indicators, assessments or educational reviews is this decision based, given that it involves reconsidering a programme that has been in place since 2016 and has already proven its worth in our area? And finally, how does the institution intend to honour the contractual commitment made to families?”
The parents said by enroling their children in this programme, they signed an official document committing them to keeping their children in the bilingual programme until Year 6, with the agreed aim of them joining the International Section in Year 7 at Soualiga Secondary School or the bilingual section at College Mont Des Accords Secondary School.
“Interrupting this pathway part-way through seriously jeopardises our children’s educational prospects,” they added.
“For us as parents, this programme is a real asset for our children. It enables them to acquire a stronger command of the region’s two historic languages, French and English, to develop their cultural awareness, and to benefit from an education that promotes their academic success.
“This approach is underpinned by research findings which show that pupils who have a strong command of their mother tongue are more successful in learning a second language. Furthermore, in a context where language skills are essential for higher education, mobility and entry into the labour market, we believe it is vital to preserve this educational provision.
“The closure of these classes would represent a significant loss for both current pupils and future generations. It would reduce the diversity of the educational provision.”
The parents emphasised that bilingual classes promote diversity of educational pathways, the commitment of teaching staff and the reputation of state education. They also help to preserve the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of Saint-Martin and facilitate harmonious coexistence amidst diversity.
“In light of the sense of injustice caused by this decision, which was taken without prior consultation, we ask you, M. Recteur, to kindly clarify these various points for us.
“We request that a dialogue be initiated with parents’ representatives, teaching staff and the Collectivité in order to understand the situation. We also call for the reopening of the bilingual MS, GS and CP classes before the start of the 2026 school year.”
