TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9: Government is looking to partner with the private sector to help repair the Island’s failing public education system.

Education Minister Jennifer Smith today told members of the Bermuda Union of Teachers it would take a joint effort to fix the problems within the public education system.

Ms Smith was speaking at the organisation’s 27th Annual Conference, in her first official address.

“In the 400 years of our existence, I know of no entity that has ever come by sea or by air to solve our problems. Our problems are ours to solve. And I know that — collectively — we can find the solutions,” she said.

“Bermuda — please understand that the majority of our students get up and go to school and do their best. They are talented, marvelous young people and we must herald their accomplishments and support them.”

Projects “that will demonstrate the public/private partnerships that I am looking for” will be announced in the coming weeks, Ms Smith said.

“Although the school day coincides with the work day, I am sure that together we can come up with a workable solution that will see parents being allowed to play an even more active and meaningful role in their children's education day.”

She continued: “From the top of the Ministry, right down through to the classroom and the parents in the home, we all have a role to play in education.”

For the full story see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.