virtually ground to a halt.

Many students showed up, only to be turned away because there were no teachers to run their classes.

Schools which shut down included St. George's Secondary, Berkeley Institute and Whitney Institute.

But the school at the centre of yesterday morning's demonstration -- Warwick Secondary -- held classes in the afternoon.

Principal Patricia Holder told The Royal Gazette about 75 -- or a quarter of the school's pupils -- showed up.

Ms Holder supported the right of her staff to air their concerns.

She also said students were concerned their school's reputation was being sullied by media reports of violence.

"They are feeling very hurt and much maligned. They are very much in sympathy with teachers.'' Berkeley Institute principal Michele Gabisi said: "There were no classes at all today.

"Quite a few students were here this morning and they were sent home. We should be back to normal tomorrow.'' Whitney Institute principal Gail Graham said: "My staff 100 percent supported the action and so there were no classes. We will be back to normal tomorrow.'' She added: "I am concerned about violence in the schools and have been for some time.'' A St. George's Secondary spokeswoman said: "There were no classes at all today, but everything should be back to normal tomorrow.'' Several primary schools were hit by the demonstration, including St. David's where there were no classes.