Palo Seco students back to school

STUDENTS of the Palo Seco Government Secondary School will resume classes at their new, temporary home - the Siparia Senior Comprehensive School - today. A release from the Education Ministry yesterday, said school for the Palo Seco students will be from Monday to Friday between the hours of 7.50 am and 2 pm at Block E of the Siparia school. “Parents are advised to ensure that their children report for school promptly and in the appropriate school uniform,” the Ministry stated.

The Public Transport Service Corporation and the School Nutrition Company will resume service to the school this week. School bus transport will be provided for students who reside in the Erin area and for those travelling from Palo Seco to Siparia. “Students are advised to walk with snacks, lunch and drinking water in a move to minimise movement about the school compound. The School Nutrition Company will continue to provide breakfast and lunch to the 60 students who have traditionally benefited from this service. Additional security guards are being posted at the school,” the Ministry said. Director of School Supervision, Roland Rajkumar Maharaj said Palo Seco and Siparia teachers were committed to making this arrangement work.  Siparia Senior Comprehensive can accommodate 1,500 students and 600 students are currently out of school having recently written the 2004 CXC examinations.

Palo Seco Secondary has a total enrollment of 400 students who were having classes under a tent after their school was destroyed by fire last month. Parents threatened to keep their children home and teachers threatened to withhold their services after a female teacher was injured when a blackboard fell on her while conducting class under the tent. The Ministry has promised that a new school at Palo Seco will be built and ready for occupation in September.