Days after a disturbing incident during devotion at Oberlin High School in rural St Andrew last Wednesday, the Ministry of Education and Youth is urging parents to send their children back to the institution for regular classes starting tomorrow (October 31).

According to Fayval Williams, minister of education and youth, normality has returned to the school and there was “an atmosphere of calm and all categories of staff were present” last Friday.

“Fewer than 100 students of the approximately 1,500 student body turned up for classes on Thursday and Friday. Nevertheless, teaching and learning took place with those students who were present. Devotions took place earlier without any eventualities,” Williams said in a release from the ministry tonight.

The minister urged parents not to miss the opportunity for their children to continue with their education.

In its release, the ministry said its regional team would be at Oberlin to meet with board representatives, the principal and student welfare team to chart the way forward and to discuss the events of October 26 that happened during a devotional exercise that led to the disruption of normal activities.

During the devotion, a teacher who was leading the worship had an experience that included an extended period of “speaking in tongues” and which triggered a chain reaction of similar expression among some students. The bizarre behaviour among a large number of the students was captured on cell phone videos that went viral on social media.

“Together with our students, parents, teachers, the staff, the Board and other stakeholders, Oberlin High School will thrive and prosper despite the unusual occurrence. Let us get back to school,” Williams said.