While most schools in rural Jamaica had a relatively problem-free re-opening on Monday, several have reported problems with inadequate furniture and overcrowding.
According to Regional Director for the Ministry of Education in St. Catherine, Rudyard Ellis, four schools, Southboro Primary, Jose Marti Comprehensive, Polly Ground Primary and Ginger Ridge Primary, that were reported recently by the St. Catherine Health department to have been experiencing water problems were re-opened as scheduled.
Principal of the Ascot Primary School in Portmore, Mobray Campbell, told The Gleaner that it was a smooth operation at that school and that they experienced no problems. Principal of Jonathan Grant High, Cortis Noland, said that most of the hitches for the re-opening of school was ironed out last week, so there were few problems yesterday.
Others could not be re-opened because repairs were not completed on time. These schools are Mount Liberty Primary and Freetown Primary which is currently been housed in a church. Repairs are to be completed by September 11. Repairs on the Old Harbour Primary School is expected to be completed on September 18.
In Manchester, the opening of the Mizpah All Age School for the new term principal, Mrs. Doreen Spence, said there was a staff shortage at the institution, and apart from her administrative duties, she has to teach two classes.
At the Moravian Primary and Infant in Christiana, teacher Gertel Rodney, said that the school which was built to accommodate 900 students, now has a population of 1,500.
At the Christiana Leased Primary and Infant School, principal Howard Salmon, said that his school which should accommodate 351 now has 700 students.
At the Belfield High School, principal Dr. Auma Folkes, said that her main problem was transportation for students coming from the Walderston, Christiana area. Although her two-shift system of over 700 per shift, there are 1,700 students but provisions have been made to accommodate them. Some container classrooms are being prepared.
Holmwood Technical High School is the only school that is said to have no problem where principal Mr. Paul Bailey said his school population of 1260 is the same as last year and everything is operating smoothly.
The newly-named Christiana High School has overcrowding in some classes. According to principal, Rev. Fitzroy Williams, new students have come from as far away as Vere in Clarendon, Trelawny and other parishes. The population now stands at 2,300 which more than doubles what should be accommodated. The previous attendance was 600 per shift with a three-shift attendance.
Most schools in St. Elizabeth are reporting a smooth opening day, however, the problem of inadequate furniture and the toilet facilities are still evident at some schools.
According to principal of the St. Elizabeth Technical High School Dorothy Samuda, their problem is the lack of furniture, adding that she had applied to the Ministry of Education for additional furniture for some time, but to date none has been delivered.
Principal of Munro College, Mrs. Sonia Neil said there was some difficulty in the collection of school fees and that there was a shortage of furniture.
Principal of the B.B. Coke Comprehensive High School Zenobia Wellington said there were concerns about the distribution of water to the institution, but they have been reliably informed by the National Water Commission that they would assist.
In Eastern Portland, teachers at Happy Grove High have turned corridors into classrooms, with the science lab also being used to accommodate students, according to principal Lauristan Lindsay.
Describing the situation as undesirable, he hoped that in time, funds generated from the PTA would be used to help alleviate the problem of overcrowding.
Meanwhile, principal of the Fellowship Primary and Junior High school, Earl Christian expressed concern about the problem of inadequate seating for both students and teachers.
The Norwich Primary School, is badly in need of at least one additional classroom. Built to accommodate 356 students, the school now has on role 546 students.
