summer break.

The Ministry of Education is expecting 7,254 students to turn up at Government schools, an increase of 100 compared with last year.

Thirty-four new teachers -- 24 Bermudians and ten expatriates -- have been added to Government's roster.

The Ministry is also taking on a school psychologist and a life skills and careers officer.

The new school psychologist is Dr. Steve Eberhart, from Minnesota. The other new position, which has yet to be filled, was one of the recommendations of the Archibald Report.

"It was a recommendation we were able to move on without delay,'' said Minister of Education the Hon. Gerald Simons. "We expect to have the officer in place within two weeks.'' Several temporary posts connected with educational reform plans are also expected to be filled shortly, he said.

He added: "Education Ministry official Mr. John Morbey has been relieved of most of his normal responsibilities to enable him to carry out the duties of facility manager.

"He has already been liaising with the Ministry of Works and Engineering and with the architects in the preparation of preliminary drawings for middle schools.

"Mr. Morbey is also responsible for organising meetings with the teachers and parents most directly concerned with each middle school, to invite their comments on preliminary drawings.'' Renovations at several schools, including those at Harrington Sound, Dellwood and Heron Bay, were carried out during the break.

However, work at Heard Chapel pre-school, which is being carried out by the church, is still going on. Some 36 schoolchildren are being given an extra week off until the renovations are completed.