The Education Ministry has announced that Dr. Gina Tucker had taken over as acting principal of Victor Scott Primary School - replacing ousted head teacher Esme Trott.

Education Permanent Secretary Michelle Khaldun said Dr. Tucker was in charge of the school as of Tuesday, but said she planned to recommend that she be confirmed in the position later this week.

Dr. Tucker, 35, replaces Ms Trott, who left the school this summer under protest from parents and teachers who wished her to stay on board.

Ms Trott's future became uncertain after five or six teachers lodged grievances against her through the Education Ministry in the September 1999 term.

The majority of the disgruntled teachers asked to be transferred from the school, and the grievances were resolved, but Ms Trott's future remained uncertain.

Despite a petition from parents asking that Ms Trott not be ousted from her position, and many letters of support from teachers and school officials, it was confirmed this week that an agreement had been reached.

Ms Khaldun would only say that issues between the Ministry and Ms Trott were "resolved" and said: "As far as I'm concerned, she is retired, yes."

Last night, Ms Trott was finally able to break her silence on the ordeal and thanked parents and teachers for their support.

She would not disclose what the agreement was, but said she had retired and had not been dismissed from her duties.

She said: "I'm really grateful to have had the privilege to serve the Victor Scott school community. I have always given my best and I wanted the best for the children there.

"The parents have been so supportive. The teachers there knew they had to be committed to work with the students and we had an accountability there that said all students would achieve.

"I want the parents to know that it's been an honour and a privilege. We worked with the parents on many things and got the parents really involved."

As for the future, Ms Trott was equally as upbeat. She said: "God was showing me all along that he maybe had something else planned for me. I always wanted to do mission work, and I'm going to have an opportunity to go to Jamaica on an outreach programme working with children in the library, with prayer and counselling.

"I now just want to give back to others for the rest of my life."

A teacher who had worked under Ms Trott, but who did not wish to be named, said the teachers did not want her to leave, but wished her well.

The teacher said: "Ms Trott was an excellent principal. She has high regard for professionalism and accountability of her staff. The press and others have painted a very ugly picture of her principalship, but the large majority of her staff supported her fully. It will be sad to see her go. Her love and dedication to Bermuda's school system will be a loss."

Dr. Tucker, who was previously director of the centre for education at Bermuda College, said she was thrilled to be at Victor Scott.

The former West Pembroke Primary School teacher, who has a doctorate in educational leadership, said: "This is a dream job. It was always my dream to be a school principal.

"I always wanted to work in a school like Victor Scott. It is rich in culture, heritage and history. I want to support the people in this neighbourhood.

"I have had a wonderful reception from the staff. Everyone here is committed to ensuring that young people have a high quality school to attend.

"I would certainly like to see this as a long-term position."

However, Dr. Tucker also said she had the upmost respect for Ms Trott.

She added: "I really want it to be known that I wish her well and look forward to carrying on her task."

Ms Khaldun also announced two other senior appointments for the start of this term.

O'Brien Osborne has been appointed principal at Prospect Primary school. He has 12 years experience in the public system on the Island, having taught at Prospect Primary, Dellwood Middle School, Spice Valley Middle School, and most recently deputy principal at West Pembroke Primary School.

And Roseclaire Bulgin has been appointed principal at Purvis Primary School. She has taught in Liberia, Jamaica and in New York, as well as here in Bermuda.

Ms Khaldun said: "We are delighted to welcome all three to their new positions. They will all face challenges in their new roles, but they certainly have the skills and experience to turn these challenges into opportunities."