-ahead of new academic year
-by Shamiah Grant
As the new school term approaches, schools are bracing for the scorching heat that the El Nino weather conditions will bring.
Administrators at Westfield and Enterprise Primary Schools say parents are being sensitised about the heat, while steps are being taken to ensure students remain hydrated and comfortable in the classroom.
At Westfield Primary School, administrators are using orientation sessions to advise parents on simple measures to protect children, including limiting their exposure to UV rays.
“We started discussions with the new intake of parents to tell them about the weather conditions, keep the children cool, give them lots of water to drink so that they can be hydrated,” the school’s head teacher, Gwendoline Lewis said.
For now, Westfield says there are no plans to shorten the school day or introduce a shift system, with administrators instead prepared to make adjustments as conditions develop.
At Enterprise Primary, preparations are also moving ahead, with the school reporting that it is about 75 percent ready for reopening.
Administrators say special attention is being placed on younger students.
“When the others come out here tomorrow for the orientation, HM also will do some more encouragement as to how to keep them hydrated due to the weather, knowing that they are the small ones also,” Halowena Row, the deputy head teacher explained.
Both schools are unanimous in their intent to continue monitoring conditions and adjust where necessary, as students return to the classroom.