Classes resume at L. T. Gay

CLASSES resumed at the Lawrence T Gay Memorial Primary school yesterday, with 72 Class four students taking their lessons just a few metres away at the Grace Hill Moravian Church.

Vice President of the Barbados Union of Teachers Richmark Cave said that he was pleased that the Ministry of Education made some attempt to place the Class 4 students, recognising that the Common Entrance Examination is just a few months away. He noted that the facilities at the Grace Hill Moravian Church are comfortable.

“Previously when we were relocated in 2015, we had an entire Infants department in here. This time we only have three classes, so they are much more comfortable than they were in 2015. The noise level is pretty good and everybody seems to be happy as they get back to the teaching and learning situation.”

As it relates to the students at the main school, Cave said: “The Ministry is still looking to find a location or locations to put the other classes in because you must bear in mind that we don’t want to scatter them too far. So they are trying their best to get a location or locations where they can put all of them together, where they can be properly supervised and we are looking forward to that.”

“There are three classes in Class four. Some 72 children and as you can see they have fitted in quite well and at the moment teaching and learning is going on.”

Environmental problems returned to the school back in November with the Ministry having to close the school following complaints of itching skin, burning throat, eyes and rashes.

Last Monday the school was closed early and on the following day students were seen taking classes outdoors. The school was closed by the Ministry for the rest of the week. Following a series of meetings with health and labour relations, it was agreed that the services of REA Environmental International to monitor and conduct air quality tests at the site would be engaged. This would require samples being sent overseas.

It was noted that identifying a location requires space for school furniture, adequate bathrooms, serving area for lunch and security. There is also a need to transfer furniture and materials from the school to the new site and securing insurance for the duration of the occupation of the site.