St Dominic’s to resume classes at Community Centre

“We are hoping that by next week our kids will be out. An official (from the Ministry) said tentatively, classes will begin on Monday at the community centre. I am no expert, but based on what I am seeing, a lot of work has to be done. Hopefully by next week, everything will be put into place,” said Daniel.

The decision to house the estimated 292 students at the centre came one day after students joined their parents in a fiery protest in front of the school building located at Oliverie Drive to demand a new school.

The Penal Community Centre is located nearby at Clarke Road.

Due to the school’s dilapidated conditions, only the Standard Five students have been attending classes at the St Dominic’s RC Parish Hall located across the road from the school. As such, all other students stayed away from classes since the start of the new school term since the church hall cannot accommodate the entire population.

Yesterday, the PTA noted that she and other parents were happy for the temporary relocation.

“At this stage, we do not know how long we will be there. We have no indication whatsoever if or when construction works are to start on a new school. We are glad to get the kids to go to classes and we want to make sure they are comfortable and safe. Works are to be done such as proper lighting, covers for the drains and extra toilets at the centre,” Daniel added.

At the fiery protest on Tuesday, the parents complained that the school was plagued with problems such as lack of proper infrastructure.

The protesting parents had vowed to take their protest to the Ministry’s head offices in Port-of-Spain in the event Ministry officials fail to offer alternative arrangements.

Daniel yesterday confirmed that “for now” there will no protest action.

Classes for the two Standard Five classes continued yesterday at the Church Hall.