By Petrina Francis, Education Reporter
The infant block at the Dupont Primary and Junior High School was severely damaged when Hurricane Ivan lashed the island recently. This resulted in classes at the school being relocated to other classrooms yesterday. - IAN ALLEN/Staff Photographer
MORE SCHOOLS that were severely damaged by the passage of Hurricane Ivan were reopened yesterday, but under less than ideal conditions.
When The Gleaner visited the Dupont Primary and Junior High School in Kingston, the roof of the infant block was non-existent. Acting principal, Hyacinth Thompson, said the block that seated 200 students was severely damaged by the hurricane and the students had to be relocated to other areas. Children from the infant school are now in the grade three blocks, while the grade three students are being accommodated in the computer lab, the dining room and the library.
Ms. Thompson said that as of today, the infant school and the grade three pupils will operate on a shift system. She noted that the other grades, especially grades one and six would remain untouched as they are preparing for exams.
DIRTY WATER
While she describes the attendance rate as being "good", she has a major concern with potable water, as, although there is running water at the school, it is very dirty. She said she was very disturbed yesterday when she went to the pipe and saw children drinking the unsafe water.
Denbigh High School in Clarendon also opened yesterday, but administrators there are very concerned. Vice-principal Ashton Johnson said the school has electricity and water but one of the blocks was severely damaged by the hurricane. He noted that plastic material was used as a substitute to cover the roof where classes are currently being held, but there are problems with the plastic being lifted, especially when it is windy.
REELING FROM HURRICANE
However, Mr. Johnson said that although the school has students from areas such as Rocky Point and Portland Cottage which were hard hit by the hurricane, the attendance rate was about 90 per cent up to yesterday.
Meanwhile, of the 780 students who are registered at the Melrose Primary and Junior High School in Kingston, only 664 turned out for school yesterday. Gloden James, acting principal at the school, said that she suspects that the low attendance rate was due to a lack of water and electricity at home and the state of public emergency that is currently being enforced.
Although there was no structural damage to the school, the acting principal said that only a few students turned out for classes last week, hence the late start yesterday.
