MARIGOT--French-side reporters were given a two-hour tour of the new Robert Weinum Cité Scolaire in La Savane on Wednesday by Principal Frantz Gumbs and Recteur’s representative, Michel Sanz, following the opening of the establishment on Monday.
Evidently a satisfactory meeting between teacher’s union SE-UNSA, management of Cité Scolaire and representatives of the Collectivité on Monday avoided a postponement of classes for a week demanded by the union until the establishment was completely ready.
Sanz and Gumbs insisted on not delaying the children’s education any longer following the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The five-day strike called for by the union did not materialise after receiving little support. Only 10 teachers from the 44 that met on Monday voted to proceed with the strike; 14 voted against the strike, 10 did not register a vote, and 10 others abstained.
For all intents and purposes, the establishment is operational and classes began in earnest on Wednesday.
Michel Sanz encouraged reporters to look objectively at the purpose behind Cité Scolaire the opening of which he described as “an historic event, for school children, for the youth, for education, and for the whole community of St. Martin.”
He suggested reporters form their own opinions of the building for what it is and “not mask the reality” of deficiencies they might notice on the tour, but look beyond “the controversies, critics, and rumours” dramatisation of which in the media had not been helpful, he said.
“It is quite normal that we continue to make the corrections, changes or repairs as we go along,” he said. “Materials are arriving and being installed as we speak. Not everything can be perfect on the first day.”
The tour was led by Frantz Gumbs but others in attendance who gave input included the Collectivité’s Head of Education Mehdi Boucard, Director of the Human Development Department Thierry Gombs, and Director of the Collectivité’s Sustainable Development Department, Romain Perreau.
First Vice-President Guillaume Arnell joined the tour later.
The main entrance leads into a large forecourt with the Lycée on the left and Collège on the right. Frantz Gumbs noted internet has been installed and is operational. All classrooms have internet connections and video projectors and speakers are shortly to be installed.
A noticeable novelty was the cell phone-type jingle that signals the start or end of classes which has replaced the harsh sound of the old fashioned bell. Apparently there is a choice of ten different jingles.
Reporters were shown the section for teachers which included some meeting rooms and recreational areas, followed by the Center for Documentation and Information (CDI). This large room has a computer area and materials were being progressively installed.
Rooms that contained technical equipment for internet, telephone, and other network functions, and a back-up generator room, were shown. Gumbs described this essential equipment as the “beating heart” of the establishment.
Also visited was a class in progress with sixth graders and a chemistry classroom. This latter classroom has been the subject of complaints by the teacher’s union regarding the storage of chemicals and acids, and potential dangers they represent to students.
It was noted that the storage cabinets for these chemicals, and evacuation vents for gasses, will be moved outside the classroom. All of the desks had sinks with running water and even a shower. A second exit door is also envisaged.
Classrooms in general do not have air conditioning, only fans. But rooms containing computers and other sensitive equipment do have air conditioning. The design of the buildings are such that full advantage is taken of the natural breeze.
Impressive to see was the school cafeteria which seats 200. It will be open for the first time on Thursday with three service times, catering to 600. Frantz Gumbs noted a trial run was carried out on Monday, serving a snack for 800 pupils.
The tour concluded with a look at the sports facilities and changing rooms. A football field with a running track was still in the process of preparation. There is a combined Basketball, Volleyball, and Handball court. Some changes are envisaged here, moving the goal posts for Handball and repairs to the court surface. There is also a Gymnasium that is awaiting equipment to be installed.
In an invited comment, Guillaume Arnell, said: “We have today a magnificent structure that did come with some difficulties. But in no way can those difficulties justify the strike by the teacher’s union.
“There are a few teachers who in my eyes don’t deserve the title of teacher. When you want to be vindictive, you need to set the first example and most of the time they have not done that. We must stop sacrificing our pupils. Those who are sacrificing our pupils are the ones who should be uplifting them and setting an example.”
Construction of the 15 M-euro school complex began 18 months ago with the first stone laid on December 20, 2013. Built by the company GETEM the buildings conform to European standards for earthquake, hurricane and fire prevention.
The official inauguration of Cité Scolaire is expected sometime in February, 2016.
