With Principals in Mind USE OF THE LOG BOOK
By Karan Mahabirsingh, IRO (South)

Circulars on the use of the Log Book in schools have been issued periodically over the years, yet for all that, some administrators fail to observe the guidelines set out in these circulars. In the event that such failure is as a result of lack of knowledge of the circulars, this article provides relevant information.

The most recent of these circulars is No 26 of 1994 dated February 7th, 1994. It would be unwise to attempt to reproduce the circular in its entirety but the salient points are summarised hereunder.

The Log Book is one of the official documents of the school and is to be in the care of the officer in charge of the school.

It is not within the discretion of the Principal do deny access to the Log Book to the teacher in charge of the school in his/her absence.

The Log Book is for the purpose of recording official activities and events at the school, not the opinion of any individual officer, and care must be taken to ensure that it is properly kept.

Where an adverse report is made in the Log Book on a Teacher, that Teacher must be shown the report and should sign as evidence of having seen the report. The Teacher may request a copy of the report.

Especially important is the need for confidentiality of Log Book entries. The Regulations prohibit disclosure of any official document or information to an officer to a member of the public, and this covers Log Books as is clearly stated in the abovementioned circular.

Principals may wish to obtain a copy of the circular for their own information and for the school's records.