Resilient Petersfield High coming back stronger

Principal Roan Green has praised the resilience and unwavering commitment of his teachers at Petersfield High School in Westmoreland for their efforts to keep learning on track following the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October. Green said the school’s complement of 85 teachers demonstrated remarkable dedication to their students despite facing personal hardships after the hurricane, which left a trail of destruction across western Jamaica. “The impact of Hurricane Melissa on Petersfield High School was significant,” said Green.

“What has been documented is that the school served as a shelter for members of the community who were affected by the hurricane. What has not been widely documented, however, is the profound impact the storm had on individuals within our own school family, including both students and staff members,” added Green. He explained that more than half of the teachers and support staff suffered damage to their homes, ranging from the loss of roofs to severe structural destruction, with some losing their homes entirely.

“Despite those setbacks, they still reported for duty and remained committed to educating our students. Clothes on a line at a section of Petersfield High School in Westmoreland, which served as an emergency shelter in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa last October.Photo: Karl Mclarty “We had many students who did not return to school immediately after the hurricane, and we had to mobilise as a school community to locate and check on them. When we found them, we realised that many needed necessities such as food and clothing.

Our staff stepped up in every way possible to support them. I must commend our teachers and support staff for their hard work, compassion, and resilience during this very difficult period,” said Green. The principal pointed out that while Petersfield High served as a shelter during the disaster, the school itself sustained extensive damage.

“People are aware that we were a shelter, but what has not been fully revealed is the extent of the damage we suffered. We experienced significant loss to school property, educational resources and other critical material. Many of those items have still not been replaced, even as we prepare to begin a new academic year,” Green noted.

Despite the challenges, the principal said the school has remained focused on ensuring it is as prepared as possible to welcome s…