Urgent Plea for the Reconstruction of Ann’s Grove Secondary School

Mar 16, 2025 Letters

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Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter as a deeply concerned citizen of Ann’s Grove Village and a proud former student of Ann’s Grove Secondary School. At 65 years old, I have witnessed the evolution of our beloved community and the decline of one of its most significant institutions—our secondary school.

It pains me to see the current state of the school, which is now nothing more than a fragile, crumbling structure. I strongly believe that the Ministry of Education, Region 4, must reconsider its decision to bid on March 9, 2025 in the daily Chronicle for repairs to this building and instead opt for a full reconstruction.

For decades, Ann’s Grove Secondary School has been a place of learning, growth, and memories for generations of students, including myself. However, time has taken its toll, and the school is no longer structurally sound. The building has been standing for many decades, and rather than being a place of safety and education, it has now become a serious hazard. The physical deterioration of the structure is alarming, and the risk it poses to the lives of students, teachers, and staff cannot be ignored any longer.

A School Too Old for Repairs

While I understand that the Ministry of Education has announced that the school is up for bidding for repairs, I must strongly oppose this decision. This school is far beyond the point of repair. Its foundation has weakened significantly, making any renovation efforts ineffective and temporary solution to a much deeper problem.

The building shakes violently at the slightest movement, making it highly unstable. This is not just an occasional tremor; it is a persistent issue that indicates a serious structural failure. Every gust of wind, every footstep on the upper floor, and every minor vibration cause the entire building to tremble in a way that is both frightening and dangerous.

This level of instability suggests that the structure is incapable of withstanding natural forces such as heavy rain, strong winds, or even minor seismic activity.

Additionally, the school has been sinking over the years. When I was a child, we used to run and play beneath the building, which was raised on posts to allow airflow and prevent flooding. However, today, the space beneath the structure has disappeared entirely. This is a clear sign that the foundation is no longer stable, and the ground on which the school was built can no longer support its weight. The significant sinking of the building raises concerns about the soil stability and the potential for further collapse.

A Weak and Dangerous Foundation

The construction of Ann’s Grove Secondary School was based on a spot-post foundation, meaning that it was built on wooden and concrete posts that were meant to support the structure. Unfortunately, many of these posts have detached from the floor, causing a dangerous gap between the foundation and the rest of the building. This is one of the most serious indicators that the school is at risk of collapse.

Without a proper foundation, the entire structure is compromised. Teachers and students are forced to navigate a school environment that is unstable, uncomfortable, and, most importantly, unsafe. The disconnection of the posts from the floor also means that the building no longer has the necessary support to withstand even minor shifts in weight or movement.

A Growing Threat to Human Life

Ann’s Grove Secondary no longer just an aging building—it is a direct threat to human life. If left in its current condition, it is only a matter of time before a disaster occurs. A collapsing ceiling, a falling wall, or a complete structural failure could result in injuries or even fatalities. This is not an exaggerated concern; it is a real and urgent danger.

Imagine young children sitting in a classroom, eager to learn, when suddenly a portion of the ceiling gives way. Imagine teachers walking through the corridors, only for the floor beneath them to collapse. These are not unrealistic fears but very possible scenarios given the current condition of the school.

Waiting for a tragedy to happen before taking action would be irresponsible and unforgivable. Furthermore, the poor condition of the school affects not just physical safety, but also the overall learning environment. A child cannot focus on their studies

when they are constantly worried about the roof over their head. Teachers cannot effectively educate students when they are concerned about the stability of their classrooms. Education should take place in a secure, well- maintained space where students can learn without fear.

The Need for a New School

Given the undeniable risks associated with the current state of Ann’s Grove Secondary School, I strongly urge the authorities to abandon the idea of repairs and instead prioritize the construction of a brand-new school building.

Repairing an unstable structure is like putting a bandage on a deep wound—it does not address the root of the problem and will only lead to more issues in the future.

 

A newly built school would provide a safe and comfortable environment for students and teachers. It would be designed with modern safety standards, ensuring that the foundation is strong, the materials are durable, and the overall structure is built to last. Investing in a new school is not just about creating a better physical space—it is about investing in the future of our children and community.

Furthermore, a new school would offer an opportunity to enhance educational facilities. The current building lacks adequate ventilation, proper sanitation, and sufficient classroom space. By constructing a new school, authorities can incorporate improved learning spaces, technology-equipped classrooms, and better infrastructure to support student growth.

A Call to Action

I am calling on the Ministry of Education, Region 4, and all relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this pressing issue. The safety and well-being of our children should be the top priority. Instead of spending money on temporary repairs, let us invest in a long-term solution—one that guarantees a safe, secure, and thriving learning environment for generations to come.

Additionally, I urge community members, parents, teachers, and former students to join in this appeal. Our collective voices must be heard. We cannot sit silently while our children are placed in a dangerous environment.

Let us demand the construction of a new Ann’s Grove Secondary School before it is too late.

In conclusion, I am deeply saddened by the current state of my former school, but I am also hopeful that the right decisions will be made to ensure the safety and future of our children. The evidence is clear—Ann’s Grove Secondary School is no longer fit for repairs. The only viable solution is to demolish the old structure and build a new school that meets modern safety standards.

Let us not wait for a disaster to happen. Let us act now.

Sincerely,

Paul Pellew.

Concerned Citizen of Ann’s Grove Village

(Urgent Plea for the Reconstruction of Ann’s Grove Secondary School)

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• Ann’s Grove Secondary School, Ann’s Grove Village, crumbling structure, School

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