Anti-social behaviour and tensions at Mont des Accords Secondary School
During the night of 26 to 27 March, an arson attack was carried out behind the SEGPA building, followed by a second one early on Friday morning in the school welfare offices at Mont des Accords secondary school. The damage to property is significant, but the impact on pupils and teachers is even greater.
In response to this situation, staff walked out on Friday 27 March and lessons were cancelled on Monday 30 March.
President Mussington described the incidents as worrying, pointing out that “a school is a place of learning, protection and hope for our young people. It is essential to ensure a calm and safe environment for everyone”. Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding these fires.
On the trade union side, SE-Unsa Guadeloupe issued a statement strongly condemning these acts of vandalism and expressing its support for the staff. It also voiced the anger of the entire educational community, noting that, in already very difficult working conditions, this malicious act undermines staff morale and creates a heavy atmosphere of insecurity at the school.
As a support group had been requested to assist the school’s staff, on Monday 30 March the school management closed the school to the public to devote the day to collective reflection. All staff – teachers, administrative and reception staff, AESH and school life support staff – were thus able to discuss issues during themed workshops on managing emotions, student misbehaviour and well-being at the school. The aim was for staff to work collectively on improving support for pupils and on ways to enhance safety within the school.
The SE-Unsa union, for its part, is demanding total and immediate safety measures and is calling on the school’s management to listen to and support the staff, whilst awaiting clear action and responses.
