Normality returning to Grange Hill Primary after threats of violence

By Nakinskie Robinson    

 

A sense of normality has been restored at Grange Hill Primary School after threats that gunmen would attack the institution last Tuesday sparked fear among students, staff and parents.

 

Classes were held online for the following three days, with physical classes resuming today (Monday).

 

Some 700 students were sent home after the threats were allegedly issued via Whatsapp.

 

The nearby Grange Hill High School also closed early last Tuesday but classes resumed the following day.

 

Providing an update Monday afternoon, Principal of Grange Hill Primary Clayton Smith said the majority of students have returned to school. 

 

"We have a good turnout today, almost back to normal. And the mood is good. The teachers are seemingly all right," he said, adding that the school was visited by the Peace Management Initiative as well as a psychologist who met with the students and staff.

 

"This week is the [PEP] exam and so only the grade six students will be at school, but the other children will be online. So we are looking forward to good relations as we progress," the principal noted. 

 

He said he has received no official word from the Education Ministry in relation to commitments regarding security. But he is optimistic that a plan is in the works. 

 

Meanwhile, Mr. Smith has offered a suggestion on how to quell future flare ups in Grange hill and neighbouring communities. 

 

"I have advocated that we have a programme starting from grade four where we invite parents and the student - at least one parent on perhaps a weekend - and we have teaching, learning, encouragement, motivational techniques. We bring in all the stakeholders who are able to help these students so that they don't degenerate to violence in the future. Because the reality is that the school overall, based off its location, is not necessarily affected in a certain way. It's the communities that are around and that feed the school that causes the problem most of the time." 

 

Mr. Smith said, in addition to perimeter fencing, a security guard has been employed to better safeguard the premises.

 

A major police/military operation was launched last week in Grange Hill with members of the security forces increasing their presence in the area.