It is built to withstand a category five hurricane but the new school building opened this afternoon at St. Luke's Methodist Primary School will be more than just a hurricane shelter. The two storey building is 132 long and 25 feet wide and has 10 classrooms, plus a principal's office and a library. It replaces an old metal classroom building and cost just over $600,000. Principal Bernadine Pollard says that for the 750 students who were in cramped classes, the new building is priceless.
Bernadine Pollard, Principal
"We have worked in a overcrowded school for many years and I know that our teachers, this is a great accomplishment for our teachers and for our students who have also suffered in overcrowded-ness. Just imagine one classroom
was shared in two and hosted about 66 children."
Keith Swift
So which classes will be using the new building?
Bernadine Pollard,
"Infant one will be using the first floor and one infant two and standard two, standard 3, and one standard five on the second floor."
Keith Swift,
What difference do you think this will make in the learning these children?
Bernadine Pollard,
"Well it gives them the space one needs to be able to be comfortable and so in being comfortable - they are able to think and maybe to work and apply themselves and the skills they have."
Lake I Area Representative Cordel Hyde cut the ribbon. It was officially opened today but it was opened to students when the new semester started last week. The $626,000 price tag included funding came from the Social Investment Fund and $2,500 from the school's Parent Teacher Association.
