Principal pleased with Ocho Rios Primary upgrades - New classrooms ensure partial removal of shift system

"I am really pleased," is how principal Gertrude McFarlane has reacted to the upgrading work currently under way at Ocho Rios Primary School in St Ann.

Thanks to the Jamaica Social Investment Fund the institution has a new eight-classroom block, which now enables grades three through six to be taken off the shift system, come September.

Another six classrooms are said to be needed to ensure that grades one and two are taken off the shift system.

In addition to the new block, a lot of other rehabilitation work is ongoing, all of which is expected to be completed by September 5 when the new academic year begins.

The preparation work includes the building of wheelchair ramps, installation of rails and partitions between classrooms, replacing of defective

windows and doors, painting and

landscaping.

Maths, science vacancies

Meanwhile, at York Castle High in Brown's Town, principal Raymond Treasure said the school is trying to fill two vacancies in the mathematics and science departments, with interviews scheduled for this week.

"Things are looking up. The ministry gave us money early, plus we had some money, so we are getting ready," Treasure said.

"We are on target; we are currently conducting sixth-form interviews. But the classrooms are ready."

Acquiring new furniture, building of a new cafeteria, and painting of the institution are some of the activities taking place at York Castle in the lead-up to the new school year.