Schools adjust routines to protect students in hot weather

With the ongoing heat in Saint Lucia, schools around the country are working to help students stay hydrated, comfortable and safe during the school day. At Saint Mary’s College, Principal Neal Fontenelle said students are now allowed to drink water during class if they need to. Previously, students had to buy water before school or during breaks. Now, due to the heat, the school is making water more accessible. “If a student wants to have a drink of water, we allow them to go during class time,” Fontenelle said. He said the college’s good ventilation, large windows, fans, and nearby trees help keep students cool. Some teachers are also holding classes under the trees. The school is monitoring the situation and making sure the canteen always has enough water.

Fontenelle said they may consider lighter uniforms if the heat continues, but he believes most Saint Lucian uniforms are already fairly light. He noted that Saint Mary’s uses white cotton and polyester shirts and now always uses Dri-Fit PE uniforms. “That works really well,” he said. Fontenelle said installing air conditioning everywhere would be difficult because of the cost and energy required. He also noted that some students might not feel comfortable in air-conditioned rooms for long periods. “I can’t see a school or government footing the bill for having an entire school air-conditioned,” he said, adding that schools have other infrastructure priorities. At Aux Lyons Combined School, Grade Two teacher Ms Pierre created a “hydration corner” so students can drink water whenever they need to, not just during scheduled breaks. The school is also encouraging students to drink plenty of water and to tell teachers immediately if they feel dizzy, have headaches, feel sick, feel weak, are very tired, or faint. Valerie…