TN Tatem students will continue studies at Clearwater Middle School after the holidays, with a return to their Warwick premises considered imminent.

Students were forced to travel virtually the length of the island to St David’s after mould conditions and other deficiencies at the former Warwick Secondary School led to the teachers taking a stand.

TN Tatem students began their cohabitation with Clearwater on December 8, since which time the Department of Education has commenced work to address the health concerns and to improve facilities.

Freddie Evans, the Acting Commissioner of Education, said in a statement: “I am pleased to report that work at TN Tatem is progressing at a very steady pace. Crews from the Department of Parks, the Ministry of Public Works, contracted industrial cleaners and school custodians are on site daily.

“The Department of Parks has completed most of the tree clearing and removal of spice trees in the courtyard. There remains trees to clear out in the rear eastern section of the school.

“The Ministry of Public Works is reinstalling the ceilings in the rooms that were abated for mould. The Department [of Education] is addressing the maintenance of the air-conditioning systems and testing for mould in the air ducts in the administration offices, auditorium and library. All rooms will be air-quality tested.”

Dr Evans added: “The Department of Education has hired three industrial cleaning companies to clean specific sections of the school: the administration block, auditorium, cafeteria, music room, main foyer and second floor are complete; the eastern block of school is almost complete; and the third floor cleaning will be completed shortly.

“At this point, it is necessary for TN Tatem students to attend Clearwater Middle School on January 3. Transportation will remain the same for students. The principals will keep the parents informed about the work in progress at TN Tatem.

“I’d like to once again thank the parents, teachers and, most of all our, students for their patience and support. It is the department’s commitment to improve the building facilities at TN Tatem in order for our students to learn and thrive in a healthy and safe environment.”