ST. ALBAN’S SAFE

“St. Alban’s is a safe school.”

The Principal of the St. Alban’s Primary School, Wendine Prince, gave this message of encouragement and reassurance to the teachers and students of the St. James educational institution yesterday. She also reminded the school body that it is also the best primary school on the island.

At around 9 a.m., The Barbados Advocate visited St. Alban’s Primary School on the first day of classes since the tragic shooting incident last Thursday.

The principal held morning assembly in the school’s courtyard as usual, but was supported by a handful of counsellors from the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training.

In an interview with the local media, Principal Prince explained that the counsellors spoke to the school meals staff on Friday. Yesterday, some students were in session with counsellors as they were trying to deal with the issues relating to trauma experienced last week. The teaching staff could also receive counselling if needed.

The school head also noted that the counselling support services will be made available to the school as long as they are needed. As it relates to the parents, the principal said that so far, parents have not indicated that they were overly concerned about the children returning to school.

Although she did not have final numbers, Prince indicated that most students had reported to school yesterday. “We had a seamless transition this morning... the school is calm,” she said.

The Principal emphasised that the school normally has tight security and has fencing around it and she does not anticipate any security changes. She explained that the gates are closed every morning and Thursday’s incident occurred off the school compound.

Earlier, Reverend Desmond Ward spoke to the children and teachers during morning worship. He encouraged the school body to pray to God on mornings and evenings, to thank Him and ask for his protection.