disruptive situation.

That was the view expressed yesterday by the high school's principal Mr. Dale Butler.

St. George's Secondary students returned to school yesterday -- a week after other students in public schools.

The delay was due to workmen suddenly discovering the roof of one building in need of replacement.

The upstairs of the two-floor building, which holds 11 classrooms, had to be cleared for the overhaul that is expected to take eight weeks.

Students were prevented from starting classes last week as teachers rushed to find suitable classrooms in other parts of the school.

But speaking on the first day of classes, Mr. Butler said: "So far the students have taken it very well and I commend the staff for their work in helping the movers.

"It will not be an easy experience, but because of disruptions in the past we are able to handle this.'' However, noting that "high schools are challenging in themselves'', Mr.

Butler said "we certainly don't need the disruption''.

The school has already had to turn 25 new students away so far mainly because of a lack of space.

In the past, Mr. Butler noted, St. George's has tried to assist students as much as possible.

It has taken in students who leave other high school's because of poor academic performances, behavioural and other problems.

"Nine out of 10 students come here and think it is going to be an easy ride,'' Mr. Butler said. "But they soon find out it is not.'' The roof repairs has also forced the school to use its assembly hall and library for classes.

Drama and social studies classes are held in the assembly hall, while the library is used for reading classes.

Teachers are also instructing in small spaces that had little use in the past, such as student council areas, Mr. Butler said.

The "greatest handicap'' was in the area of science.

Due to the reduction in lab space teachers have moved some equipment to a piano lab which was used for a music class.

"There are little spaces all around the school where there might have been a small class of nine, and now they have 18 to 20 students,'' he added.

"However, we don't have anywhere where we have two classes in one room. We avoided that.

"On the whole people feel very comfortable that the principal and teachers will carry out their responsibilities, giving the extenuating circumstance.''