Denbigh High spared the worst of Melissa, aids western schools

Classes at several rural high schools remain disrupted after Hurricane Melissa, but Denbigh High has returned to full operation.

Principal Annett Daley said the school, located on Jackson Road near Glenmuir High, suffered only minimal damage. “We were spared the worst of the hurricane. The only loss was a water tank, and that didn’t affect our ability to resume classes,” she said.

Denbigh, with a student population of just over 1,700, is now in its third week of resumption. More than 1,400 students are back, while about 300 remain absent. Daley said the guidance counselling department is keeping in touch with them to offer support. Teacher turnout has been 100 per cent.

In the immediate aftermath, grades 11 and 13 were prioritised for two days before full resumption. Exam fees posed little issue, as 90 per cent of students had already paid. The bursary system assisted the remaining 10 per cent.

Before reopening, the school met with parents to hear how they were affected. Daley said the response was “excellent.” Denbigh also set up a laundry area for students to wash uniforms, though only about 15 used the service.

Denbigh also extended support beyond its campus. Staff and students delivered care packages to families in Westmoreland and later sent about 50 students and several staff members to Belmont High to help with cleanup.

Daley, in her second year as principal and also Jamaica’s under-21 netball head coach, expressed solidarity with schools hardest hit by Melissa.

“What my colleagues are going through is truly devastating. We feel their pain, and as a school we stand ready to assist in any way we can. This is a time when we must rise together,” she said. She urged unity, compassion and continued support as affected schools rebuild.

editorial@gleanerjm.com