THE new academic year was off to a fairly smooth start on Monday in the Corporate Area, despite concerns by parents and teachers about water shortage and lack of supplies at some schools.

The back-to-school rush was evident as parents were seen transporting their children to school and the police were kept busy directing traffic at major intersections.

Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” Principal Kali McMorris told the Jamaica Observer that about 16 LED monitors have been installed in classrooms for the new academic year to improve blended learning.

“We have been able to do two blocks so far and we are on to the third block, and we hope that every single classroom can take an LED monitor with access to the Internet. About 40 monitors should be installed at the end of the school year,” she said.

“We have been on a crusade to bring technology in the classrooms for the last seven years; we knew that we had to improve on our classroom environment so that students could in fact have a mixed learning experience as they return to the classroom,” she added.

Alpha first-form student Karli Gunter, meanwhile, said, “I am very happy to be back at school and I am looking forward to spending time with my friends.”

Karli’s mother, Flavia Burke Gunter, said she didn’t get all the books she needed but she was thankful that she was able to get her daughter ready for school.

“I had to be visiting more than one book store. I still do not have at least three books, but back-to-school preparation was very good. I am happy that she is at this institution because I used to come here,” she said.

At Jessie Ripoll Primary School parents and students expressed similar sentiments.

“Back-to school preparation was okay, for the most part. I am hoping for the best and pray everything will go as planned for my daughter,” said Petagaye Rennie Cain.

Her daughter, Chloe Cain ,added, “I am very excited to learn and make new friends.”

Meanwhile, Japhine Campbell told the Observer that school preparation was costly, especially since she has three children.

“Up to now I don’t have any textbook but I ensured my daughter has notebooks for school so I will take my time to get them. It is very rough,” she said.

Her daughter, Seraphine Bair, a grade 6 student, said she is thrilled to be back at school.

“I am very excited, especially to meet my classmates and to see my new teacher. I am looking forward to my teacher helping me with the work and for my classmates and I to work on projects,” she said.

It was not a good start for Mico Practising Primary and Junior High School Principal Geraldine Allen, who expressed disappointment at the lack of water at the school.

“What I cannot control is the water situation, and right now I have no water from NWC [National Water Commission] so we have some in storage, but I don’t think it is enough to start school so we are trying to see if we can get some elsewhere. It is terribly unfortunate because once children get to school, they head to the bathrooms. And I have 48 teachers, not to mention 18 ancillary workers, so we need to have water to start school,” she stressed.

Notwithstanding the issue, Allen said she is expecting a great school year.

“I am ready with the things that I can control. I have seating available, I have my teachers, which I am really grateful for. Today is the last day of orientation and classes officially start tomorrow,” she said.

Christine Langley, a parent who has a child attending Mico Practising, said school items were very expensive this year.

“It kinda stiff because everything raise. Things rough this year. Shoes a nearly $10,000 and bag a $9,000. There are cheaper stuff but the quality is not good, so it does not make sense,” she said.

Langley’s daughter, Rihanna Clarke, said, “I just want a good education and to get better at mathematics.”

Acting principal at Rousseau Primary School Vivienne Anderson was also pleased that she had teachers to occupy every classroom.

“We have the teachers installed for the grades so that’s a plus for us. We ensure to make this year a good one as we are trying our best to bridge the learning gap. We know we won’t get everything but we are sure that if we have the help of the parents and our teachers are on board, we will have a productive year,” she said.

At the same time, grade one teacher at the school, Winsome Lawson said she is looking forward to boosting the academic potential of her students.

“Normally for back-to-school, new students would be crying, but they are settling in and I guess they are enjoying each other’s company. I am expecting my students to shine and grow. I would like them to move a step higher and I am looking forward to working together with them,” said Lawson.