St Luke’s Brighton Primary Delayed in Reopening Physical Classes Pending Further Testing: Ministry of Education

The reopening of physical classes at St Luke’s Brighton Primary has been put on hold.

The Ministry of Education announced in a statement Tuesday that classes will move to online until a temporary location can be found to relocate students, teachers and staff pending the latest round of environmental testing on the school plant.

“The primary concerns informing this decision were for the health and safety of all on the school plant, allaying the fears of teachers who continue to express their discomfort, and assuring parents that their children will continue to receive the necessary teaching,” the Ministry said.

Since October, teachers and staff have complained about a foul odour that has resulted in some persons experiencing burning eyes and noses, bitterness in the mouth, headaches, and itchy skin.

A team from Jose y Jose visited the school and cleaned the grease trap and power washed the school yard, while a grease trap cover was replaced and sealed by Greaves Wrought Iron Works.

Investigations were conducted on the compound including air quality and environmental tests. However, the tests “revealed no evidence of leaking gas and no abnormalities in environmental and air quality levels and stated that the school presented as clean and well-kept.”

The Ministry of Education has ordered further testing.

It said: “We wish to assure parents, teachers and students that every consideration is being made towards finding a viable solution that allows everyone to teach, learn and take comfort in knowing that their children are safe and thriving.”