Toll Gate Primary principal investigated over assault allegations involving vice-principal and students

Allegations of assault at Toll Gate Primary School in St. Catherine have triggered an investigation into the school’s principal, after reports that the vice-principal and at least four students were abused about two weeks ago.

The claims have unsettled parents and staff, who are waiting to hear what action will follow. Parent-Teacher Association President Ripton McLean said he received several calls soon after the incident, with people telling him there was serious trouble at the school and alleging that the principal had assaulted the vice-principal.

It is understood that the vice-principal later told a staff meeting the incident had not been provoked. A mother, who asked not to be shown on camera, said her 10-year-old son was among the children allegedly hurt. She said a staff member told her the principal left his office in an angry state, went towards devotion, pushed a Grade One student and struck her son four times on his back.

The affected parties have reported the matter to the police. The parent said she was told the police could not remove the principal from the school, and that the matter could either be settled by compromise or proceed to court.

TVJ News was also told that, since the incident, the vice-principal has stopped working from his office and has been operating from his car because fear remains at the school.

The mother said she met last Monday with the principal and a representative from the Ministry of Education. According to her, the principal repeatedly described the claim that he hit her son as an allegation, said he was gathering students for devotion, acknowledged leaving his office in an angry mood, and said he could not remember what happened.

She said the case has also been referred to the Office of the Children’s Advocate, where she was told it could take about three months. McLean said many in the school community believe the Ministry of Education has not done enough.

The principal declined to comment when contacted, saying the ministry is investigating. TVJ News said it was unable to reach the regional education representative who reportedly met with the school after the incident.