By Ryan Gilkes
Classes resumed Tuesday morning at three public schools – the Ann Hill School on Pine Road, St Paul’s Primary in Brittons Hill and Luther Thorne Memorial on Wildey Road – following remediation work done over the Christmas break.
At the Ann Hill School, concerns about respiratory problems among teachers and complaints of mould in some classrooms prompted remediation efforts. St Paul’s Primary underwent work to address termite infestation and structural issues.
A visit by a Barbados TODAY team to these schools found students in clean and improved spaces, and teachers preparing for class.
At Luther Thorne Memorial Primary School, which faced interruptions throughout the last academic year due to issues like dust, pests, and various environmental concerns, the situation was also improved.
President of the School’s Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA), Nathaniel Boyce, expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the first day of classes.
“The majority of the issues have been rectified, the cleaning, the remediation of the mould and we had some detailed cleaning that was done,” said Boyce. “Obviously, there was some more work that was done after the cleaning was done so the janitorial staff at the school did some cleaning yesterday, in terms of wiping the desk and some mopping. There was also some extermination work done throughout the classrooms and they were sanitised.
“We are happy that most of the work has been done in terms of the remediation and cleaning, but there are still one or two areas that still need attention and could do with some cleaning. The situation with the fencing that was brought to the ministry’s attention has not been dealt with. We still have a slight hole in the roofing where the roof was changed but it could have been as a result of a nail hole; that is to be addressed as well.”
Boyce said discussions were held with parents, and they are awaiting the results of environmental quality tests from the Chief Education Officer prepared by environmental hygienist Ian Weekes. The report will provide further information on the conditions at the school and ensure that the environment is safe for students and teachers, he added.
“Mr Weekes would have spoken to the first report and he would’ve shared the report with the teachers and the parents,” the PTA leader said. “He is due to complete the second report after that because he has completed the testing.
“Going forward, I am hoping that by this week, he will be able to complete that report and the ministry will make it available ]so that persons can be happy and satisfied with what is said in it. Right now, what was said to us is that the levels are down to acceptable levels and the environment is safe for us to return.” (RG)
