principal Esme Trott.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said plans to boot her out were unfair.

She said: "We don't want to lose her. She's caring and loving.

"She cares about the black boys and girls coming from the ghetto. They don't need to get rid of her. They need teachers to relate to those children.'' "She can't run a school without good teachers. They need to give her another chance.

"We feel the responsibility should not just be just on the principal. A ship's captain needs a good crew.

"She can't teach every class. I have three kids there. I have a child in the infant class and I am pleased with the change compared with last year. This year there are different teachers.'' According to Ms Trott's lawyer Juliana Jack five teachers filed grievances against her client in the September 1999 term.

But the Attorney General's chambers eventually ruled that grievances should be filed against the Chief Education Officer rather than individual school heads.

Mrs. Jack said: "The grievances were refiled against the Chief Education Officer in April 2000 and a resolution was reached by August.

"The Chief Education Officer took steps to settle grievances and Ms Trott was asked to take certain steps.'' Bermuda Union of Teachers Mike Charles said he was unaware of any further complaints against Ms Trott from his members.

He said six teachers not five had filed grievances but he said changes had been made.

He added: "Of the teachers who brought grievances most of them requested transfers so they are no longer at the school.'' The parent who spoke to The Royal Gazette said it was normal for a new principal to get rid of teachers.

She said: "We are going to send a petition to the education department.

"We are not pleased with the Minister of Education. It's the Minister of Education who needs to be chucked out. We are not happy.'' Alan Leigh, organiser of the Association for School Principals which represents Ms Trott, was asked to say what the situation was now.

He said: "I know an awful lot at the present time but I have absolutely no comment.'' Last night Education Minister Sen. Milton Scott said he could not comment on the situation at present because it was with the "appropriate authorities''.