Classes resume at Petersfield Primary and Infant School

Classes resumed at Petersfield Primary and Infant School in Westmoreland today on a limited basis since the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa last October.

The administrators are working to restore teaching and learning, while addressing the emotional needs of students and staff.

Principal of the school, Susan Rattray Hammond, told JIS News that the school reopened with reduced enrolment, accommodating only a portion of its student population due to infrastructure damage and a shortage of furniture.

“Today we have 50 per cent of what we expected,” Rattray Hammond said, noting that approximately 150 students were able to return to face-to-face instruction.

She explained that several areas of the school were severely affected, requiring temporary solutions to make the compound safe and functional.

“The damage is significant,” she said, adding that temporary tents are being erected to create additional classroom space.

While the school has a water supply, the absence of electricity continues to hamper full operations.

“We don’t have any power,” the Principal said, outlining challenges related to the printing of learning materials and conducting administrative work.

She noted that the reopening is part of a wider recovery effort affecting not only the school but the surrounding Petersfield community, which was also badly impacted by the hurricane.

Despite these constraints, she said the school remains focused on ensuring students’ welfare.

“We are making the best of a bad situation,” the principal said.

She also highlighted the commitment of parents, who assisted with cleaning and preparation efforts on the first morning of reopening.

“They stayed for the devotion… they pitched in and helped move out some old furniture,” the Principal said, adding that parents have been encouraged to contribute “five or 10 minutes” each morning to support clean-up activities.

Rattray Hammond expressed gratitude for support received from the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, including clean-up grants and the provision of tents through Region Four, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“I must commend the Regional Director and the team,” she said, emphasising that ongoing guidance and psychosocial support sessions for school leaders and students have been critical during the recovery process.

- JIS News

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