Hot under the collar

With intense heat expected to test students’ comfort, Airy Castle Primary Principal Dawn Graham is hoping conditions will not become a trigger for aggression this academic year. I’m hoping that the heat is not going to be a trigger to aggressive behaviour,” she told the Jamaica Observer during a visit to the school last week. The heat was already severe enough to affect adults during a recent training session at the school.

Graham is concerned about what conditions could be like once what she described as poorly ventilated classrooms are filled with children for extended periods. “I sat in a training session with the teachers and the support staff and it was really hot. It was hot to the point that I know that at least two adults complained of severe headache, including myself… When those students are together in that space… I am [expecting we will be] seeing serious fatigue, especially in the afternoon and when the sun is really up,” she expressed.

The educator is counting on parents to keep students in check, despite the challenging circumstances. “I’m hoping the parents are ready to give their support. I’m looking forward to an improved year, in especially, parent support,” said Graham.

In addition to keeping students cool, school officials will also have to keep an eye on their water supply. St Thomas is among the parishes affected by water prohibition measures put in place to ration the commodity, as much of the country remains in the grip of a worrying dry spell. According to Graham, Airy Castle has experienced water problems in the past and they are watching closely to see whether the current conditions will place additional pressure on its supply.

“We will not act as though this is not a concern because the drought is upon us. We have already started to see the effects of the drought on the green areas,” she said. The school currently has two full tanks, including one holding about 4,000 gallons, giving it a measure of protection as students return.

Graham has a lot of confidence that support will be provided by the regional arm of the Ministry of Education if needed. “What I am particularly impressed by is that in our region, they have been doing their checks…