Several schools still closed

Newsday was told that the Tabaquite RC Primary, the La Pastora Government and the Aranjuez Junior Secondary schools are still closed. In addition, the San Juan Senior Secondary was forced to send students home early and will be closed today because of a sewer problem at the Bourg Mulatresse school. Students of the Rousillac Presbyterian School are attending classes at the community centre, while those at the Brasso Seco RC have returned to the condemned school building.

Concerned parents of the Tabaquite RC School told Newsday yesterday that the roof of the school was changed, but painting and other structural works are still ongoing making it impossible for the students to return to school. They said the Standard Five students are the only ones attending classes at the parish hall of the nearby RC church. They also complained that there has been no word from the ministry regarding a starting date for other students to attend classes at the school building.

At the La Pastora Government, Newsday understands that the new building is ready for occupation while the old building which usually accommodates the Infants and Standard One students is yet to be completed. Structural works were completed on the building and the roof was expected to be changed. Parents of students have also complained about the delay in reopening the school, moreso because the students were moved from the school in June this year because of the condemnation of the old school building. One parent told Newsday she was especially concerned about her son in Standard Five, who will write the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exams in March next year.

However, Newsday learnt that there are plans to have students operate on a shift system at the new building with the Standard Five and First Year students having all day school. We have been told that a meeting with parents and teachers has been tentatively scheduled for tomorrow at the school.

The Aranjuez Junior Secondary will also remain closed for the remainder of the week as repairs and refurbishment works at the school are still ongoing. A school official told Newsday the school is expected to re-open next Monday.

Additionally, the San Juan Senior Comprehensive at Bourg Mulatresse was forced to send students home early yesterday because of a faulty sewer system. The problem occurred last Friday, which also forced students to be sent home. Newsday was told that the school will also remain closed today as school officials attempt to get the school supervisor to deal with the matter.

Meanwhile, students of Brasso Seco RC School have been forced to return to the condemned dilapidated school as repairs at the community centre have been delayed. The students were to have started school this year at the centre, paving the way for construction of a new school.

The Rousillac Presbyterian Primary School students are also being accommodated at the Rousillac Community Centre as of this term, as the Presbyterian Primary School Board awaits dialogue with the ministry on plans for a new school.