Parents in Limassol are deeply worried about the unfinished Apostolos Loukas Special School, fearing the lack of outdoor space and ongoing construction noise will harm their children as the new school year begins. Despite reassurances from the Ministry of Education that there are no health hazards, many parents, led by Michalis Papadopoulos, remain concerned about the impact of these issues on students with sensory sensitivities.
What are the parental concerns regarding the Apostolos Loukas Special School in Limassol?
Parents are concerned about the Apostolos Loukas Special School’s readiness due to unfinished construction. They worry the lack of outdoor space and continuous construction noise may adversely affect students, especially those with sensory sensitivities, as the new term approaches. The education ministry assures no health hazards but parents are still uneasy.
Unresolved Issues at Apostolos Loukas Special School
Concerns mount as the opening day of the Apostolos Loukas Special School in Limassol looms. Parents voiced apprehensions due to the unfinished state of the construction. The parents’ association has observed that while students are due back on Monday, the current condition of the establishment may not be conducive to learning.
The Ministry of Education has addressed these worries, ensuring that student welfare is not at stake. Despite this reassurance, Michalis Papadopoulos, the association’s president, described a less-than-ideal return to a school still marked by construction zones.
Incomplete Facilities and its Implications
Landscaping work remains pending, which leaves students without necessary outdoor recreational space. The lack of outdoor areas is particularly troubling, as children will be confined indoors. Papadopoulos highlighted that continuous construction noise could also affect children with sensory sensitivities.
Although the Ministry’s technical team did visit the site and extended the contractor’s timeline, the absence of an alternative plan for outdoor activities has frustrated parents. They were informed of the building’s unfinished status at the eleventh hour, after the demolition of the old school made it no longer an option.
Government’s Response and Plans
In response to the concerns, Andreas Marangos, head of the education technical services, expressed disappointment in the parents’ stance and reiterated the non-existent health hazards. The school was officially operational last Thursday, with Marangos pointing out that landscaping, though not the contractor’s responsibility, will be addressed without disrupting school activities.
Addressing the noise concern, Marangos noted the absence of complaints in the previous year when construction was adjacent to the old school. He refuted the absence of contingency plans, mentioning the old school as a temporary alternative, which was declined by the parents.
Moving Forward with Optimism
The school is set to receive students as scheduled, with work progressing over the weekend to ensure readiness. Marangos also mentioned an upcoming visit from the Education Minister. He spoke of the project’s broader scope, which includes phase B and the neighboring Red Cross Special School, representing a significant investment in special education.
Despite the challenges, the sentiment from the education officials is hopeful, aiming to focus on the progress made in consultation with all parties involved. They strive to offer an improved educational environment for special needs children in Limassol, amidst the critique and ongoing construction.
FAQ: Concerns Over Apostolos Loukas Special School in Limassol
What are the parental concerns regarding the Apostolos Loukas Special School in Limassol?
Parents are worried about the readiness of the Apostolos Loukas Special School due to ongoing construction work. They primarily express concerns about the lack of outdoor recreational space and the continuous construction noise, which could adversely affect students, particularly those with sensory sensitivities. Although the Ministry of Education has assured that there are no health hazards, many parents, led by Michalis Papadopoulos, remain uneasy about the situation as the new school year approaches.
What specific issues are parents highlighting about the school’s facilities?
The parents’ association has noted several unresolved issues, including incomplete landscaping work that prevents students from accessing necessary outdoor spaces. This absence of outdoor areas is particularly troubling, as it may confine children indoors, limiting their recreational opportunities. Moreover, the persistent noise from construction is seen as a potential source of distress for children with sensory sensitivities. Parents were also frustrated by the late notification regarding the building’s unfinished status, especially after the old school was demolished.
How has the Ministry of Education responded to these concerns?
The Ministry of Education, represented by Andreas Marangos, has addressed the parents’ concerns by emphasizing that there are no health hazards associated with the construction. Marangos expressed disappointment over the parents’ apprehensions and confirmed that landscaping will be addressed without disrupting school activities. He also noted that there were no complaints about construction noise during the previous year when it occurred near the old school and mentioned the absence of contingency plans due to the parents’ decision to decline the old school as a temporary alternative.
What are the future plans for the Apostolos Loukas Special School and special education in Limassol?
Despite the ongoing challenges, the school is set to open on schedule, with efforts underway to ensure readiness. Marangos mentioned that work would continue over the weekend and that the Education Minister would soon visit the site. The project represents a significant investment in special education, including plans for phase B and improvements to the neighboring Red Cross Special School. Officials are optimistic that, through continued collaboration and consultation, they can enhance the educational environment for special needs children in Limassol.
