Robert Lalah, Staff ReporterTHINGS WENT relatively smoothly in South and West St. Andrew yesterday, as schools in the area reopened for the new academic year. Despite the pouring rain that threatened to put a 'damper' on the day, all seemed calm and orderly at the schools visited by The Gleaner.
At the Haile Selassie Comprehensive High School, the seventh grade students, who were the only ones required to show up at school yesterday, did so in fine form. In a rather tranquil atmosphere, Principal Clayne Barnett explained that she was pleased with the way things had turned out.
THREAT OF RAIN
"The rain threatened to cause problems, but right now we have an auditorium full of seventh graders," she said.
The beaming faces of dozens of seventh graders exiting the school's auditorium soon verified the principal's statement.
When The Gleaner arrived at Balmagie Primary school, the scene was much different. There was a tremendous crowd of students and parents at the front of the school building, which initially gave the impression of chaos and confusion. However, it was soon evident that the parents were waiting very patiently for their children to be placed in classes.
NO CONFUSION
"Everything all right. There's no confusion. They just making sure everyone gets to the right place," said one parent. This scene was repeated at Seaward Drive Primary, Cockburn Gardens Primary and St. Patrick's Primary. Teachers were present and willing to assist parents and students with smiles that, for some students, made the first day of school a bit easier to deal with.
