Classes were disrupted for hours at the Ecclestan Primary School in Macca Tree, St Catherine, yesterday, by parents who demanded the removal of Etha Holness as principal.

The Star visited the school and found scores of angry placard-bearing persons protesting. "We need to have the principal move from the school. She don't want the children to leave the compound," one parent said.

Others claimed that Holness' approach is too tough for their children and she does not show any respect for the inquiries made. "She punish dem fi di simpliest ting, even when dem lef de compound at lunch time. The parents are demanding a new principal," another parent added.

The newly appointed Holness said it was lack of discipline by parents that caused the protest.

"I attended a meeting put on by the Parent-Teacher Association on Tuesday. I explained the Education Act about the protection of the students, especially during school hours," Holness told THE STAR, adding that if she does not uphold the mandate given to her, she could be held responsible.

Holness, who was appointed in September 2010, said she is not leaving the classroom unless she is asked to do so by the ministry. "Discipline is a must for the safety of all, therefore, I will continue to do the work set out by the Ministry of Education," Holness said.

Meanwhile, THE STAR was informed that although there is a tuck shop, children want to buy elsewhere which does not bode well with the principal.

The school, which was built in 1959, has 130 students enrolled and six teachers on staff.