George’s Plain Primary seeks help for students, parents and staff
GEORGE’S PLAIN, Westmoreland — Acting principal of George’s Plain Primary School Mario Scott is seeking donations to help repair and expand the school, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
While there was minimal damage to the infrastructure on the ground floor, the upper level of the school was severely beaten by the Category 5 storm. About 90 per cent of the windows were blown out, resulting in furniture and learning tools being destroyed by water and wind.
A grade five classroom built by Food for the Poor, which once housed children who require a little more attention in the classroom, now lay in rubble.
“Instead of rebuilding that for grade five, we want to build the infant department on that side,” Scott explained. “So we would really like the help to get the structure up.”
Currently there are 35 students in the infant department; they are being housed on the primary building. It is recommended that they be separated from the older children.
The school is seeking donations to help replace textbooks and other learning tools which were also damaged during the storm.
“We need help for our staff, students and parents as well,” Scott appealed. “Eight out of 15 staff members lost their houses or roofs and most of the 60 grade six students lost their roofs or entire house.”
He explained that when school reopens students would be allowed to wear casual clothing, and he would like to provide hot meals daily for them along with snacks and juice.
However, the acting principal stressed that the school cannot reopen now as there are still 22 residents sheltering there. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, however, has indicated that arrangements are being made to relocate residents in shelter to facilitate the reopening of schools.
George’s Plain Primary School has approximately 384 students registered.
A George’s Plain Primary classroom that was beat to ruins by Hurricane Melissa.
A grade five classroom at George’s Plain Primary which was built by Food For the Poor was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.
Acting principal of George’s Plain Primary School in Westmoreland, Mario Scott seeks donations to build a new Infant Department Block.
