particularly those qualified in information technology and learning support.

Principal Ernest Payette disclosed this after advertisements for teaching and other student services posts throughout the public school system appeared in the Official Gazette.

The Education Ministry invited qualified teachers to apply for some 50 places which are expected to become vacant in September.

At least 18 of the spots were posted under CedarBridge.

Applications for all posts -- which varied from pre-school teachers to design and technology teachers for CedarBridge -- must be submitted by February 2.

Mr. Payette explained that his school had the largest the number of vacancies because of the size of school.

He also noted that those occupying the advertised posts were on one-year contracts and therefore the jobs had to be advertised. Some of the one-year posts were also filled by Bermudians who did not have teaching certification, he added.

If there were no qualified Bermudians and the Ministry could not find any qualified for the posts from overseas, Bermudians with interest in a particular area could temporarily fill them.

The posts included a business studies teacher, computer studies teacher, two design and technology teachers, English language arts teachers, an information technology teacher, instrumental music teacher, learning support teachers, and science teachers.

"That should take care of our needs at this time,'' he said about the advertised posts.

But he admitted that he was anxious to fill the learning support teachers' posts.

"We're looking at getting four to five in that area to help meet the needs of students,'' stressed Mr. Payette who recently revealed that nearly half of the school's students were functioning below the required level and in need of special assistance.

"I see this as transition staff as we adjust from the old system to the new.''