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GES resumes whole day classes
Garapan Elementary School has resumed its regular whole day classes after most of its classrooms that were damaged by Typhoon Soudelor last year have already been repaired. GES is one of the biggest elementary schools in terms of student population.
GES principal Liela Yumul told Saipan Tribune that they are finally back to normal compared to last year when they had to hold two shifts and teachers sharing classrooms. “It was a big challenge for us last year after the typhoon.”
“Teachers had to share rooms last year because of the damage brought by Typhoon Soudelor. We have to hold classes half day but now we’re back to normal,” Yumul said.
She added that with almost all the repairs done, all classes are all back to full schedule from 8am to 2:30pm with the teachers now back to their own classrooms.
Repairs of the damage at GES were a bit delayed with contractors having to wait for the building materials to arrive from off-island.
“Only a few more minor renovation and repair will be needed in some of our facilities. We expect all room repairs to be done within the week,” she added.
Yumul said they had a smooth opening with all classes starting on time. “We’re happy that we gained normalcy and we’re looking forward to the new school year.”
“The school buses arrived on time to drop off the kids in time for them to get their breakfast. The personnel at the canteen were in full force to hand out the snacks and other food items to the students,” added Yumul.
All in all, she said, the first day of classes at GES had no problems. “There was no factor or cause of delay. We’re lucky the weather cooperated and we did not experience strong rains or winds.”
“We’re excited to see our students, old and new, back at GES. Our teaching staff and other personnel are happy to welcome them again for another year of learning.”
Tropical Storm Chanthu, which had been causing heavy rains the past few days, has moved away from Saipan, but a monsoon flow is expected to bring strong winds and scattered rain showers that may cause flooding in some areas.
