Carisbrook Primary in St Elizabeth adjusts classes amid unfinished repairs

Parents and the 137 students of Carisbrook Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth turned out for the commencement of the new academic year to find construction work still taking place and materials lying on the school compound on Monday.

The situation has left the institution adjusting its operations while repairs continue, with Principal Patrick Malcolm saying the school expects to return to normal by the end of the week.

“You know that the work started sometime in May, but nothing happened in June and July, and so the men are here now, and they are working overtime to get this up,” Malcolm told parents.

He said contractors have indicated that the zinc work should be completed by Tuesday, allowing the school to regain access to affected areas.

“Additionally, the other building, they are working on it. They are on the top, so that should go on by Wednesday. So by the end of the week, we should be able to operate efficiently and effectively, as if nothing had happened,” he said.

In the meantime, students in Grades One and Two will operate from the infant department for the remainder of the week, with the school expected to return to its regular arrangement next week.

“By next week, we are going to be here, everybody,” Malcolm said.

He said another tent would be installed to provide additional teaching space, while areas where construction is taking place will be cordoned off to protect students and staff.

Malcolm thanked the Government, the Parent-Teacher Association and parents for their continued support, saying the school would continue to do its best for the children.

- Albert Ferguson

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