School Site Update

Over the course of the vacation, things have been progressing to my satisfaction on site.And it's not often i can say that.

The canopy has been re-welded and just awaits the fabric and the kids will finally have shelter from the harsh rays of the sun. We’re situated about 2800 metres up and the UV readings are high. The painting of all cupboards and shelves is complete (some 8 weeks late), and most importantly of all, we now boast are very own fire alarm. Unfortunately however, it means i can procrastinate no longer and will have to develop and implement emergency evacuation procedures. Not my idea of fun for sure, but necessary nonetheless.

A sticking point remains the complete junk that fills three basement rooms. Ventilation is especially poor (although it’s bad throughout the building), but i have plans for each of the three. An AV room, a Role Play Centre and a Teacher Resources Centre. At first resistant, Site Manager Ketima has agreed to move out all the shit – i told him to take it for recycling, most of the junk is broken tables and chairs, plastic, metal and wood. Ketima tells me Mr A has told them he has to count the pieces before they can be removed, so i email him and tell him let the counting begin. Then, inevitably, killjoy reptilian Dr No sends me an email to inform me that as a PLC (more like private limited company) “we cannot simply throw away broken materials”. There are government rules, regulations and procedures to be followed. 

I don’t know if he’s simply bullshitting, biding more inertia time, or honest and genuine. I write back asking him for copy of the government rules, regulations and procedures of throwing out crap from a fast expanding school.