Oranjestad, St. Eustatius, 5-21-25.

The Board of the Gwendolyn van Putten School (GvP) wishes to provide clarity and reassurance regarding the current operations, governance, and educational vision of the island’s only secondary school. The Board emphasizes its steadfast commitment to providing students with the highest quality education in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

The management of GvP is a collaborative effort involving the General Board, Daily Board, school management, and staff. Each entity contributes its expertise and responsibilities to achieve a common mission: to equip the youth of St. Eustatius with the tools and opportunities needed to reach their full academic and personal potential.

This mission is guided by national education legislation and a strategic vision developed in consultation with key stakeholders through the island’s educational agenda. Internal policies and procedures, developed through collaboration with staff and management, steer the school’s day-to-day operations. These policies are outlined in the school handbook, which is updated annually and distributed to both students and staff at the start of each academic year.

GvP’s governance model promotes regular feedback and review through structured forums, including team and general staff meetings. Labor conditions for the staff are governed by formal agreements, including the “Employment Conditions Agreement for Educational Staff St. Eustatius 2024,” developed in coordination with union  representatives and aligned with standards across the Caribbean Netherlands.

In addition, the school provides various channels for dialogue and participation. A formal complaint procedure, a newly appointed Confidentiality Advisor, and an active Participation Council—comprising teacher and parent representatives—ensure that every voice within the school community has a platform for discussion and input. 

The Board of GvP continues to promote an open, respectful, and constructive  dialogue with all stakeholders. It remains committed to adaptability, inclusivity, and responsiveness in its leadership role, always placing the students’ best interests at the forefront.

As we move forward, the Board reaffirms its dedication to transparency and collaborative growth. We encourage students, parents, staff, and the wider community to engage actively in shaping the best educational environment possible. It is only through united effort that we can fulfill our shared responsibility to the future generation of St. Eustatius.