Roof drain floods Bishop Feild Elementary gym, still undergoing repairs

Nearly a year after concrete fell from the ceiling of Bishop Feild Elementary promptingthe relocation of students and faculty to the former School forthe Deaf on Topsail Road the building remains closed entering into the new school year.

In mid-August, an update released by the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District in mid-August noted a request for proposals has been issued for consultant services related to the rehabilitation design for the building in the downtown area of St. John's.

"Additionally,the first tender has been issued for the demolition of the remaining plaster ceilings, with a closing date scheduled forSeptember 7, 2018," notes the update."The closing dates for both projects may be subject to extension if changes or additions to the tender are necessary."

• Bishop Feild likely won't be ready for September: English School District

The update also revealedthere was a leak that leftthe gymnasium floor covered with water, which could further push back the opening of the school to students and faculty.

"A roof drain separated during heavy rains on Wednesday evening (August 15)and covered the gym floor with water. The water has since been cleaned up and dehumidifiers are in place to take the excess moisture from the hardwood," the release reads.

"Gym floor refinishing, if required, will be added to the scope of repairs before the students return to the building."

On top of the leak, and ongoing repairs to the school's roof, the district says there are trees on the property which will need to be removed to "facilitate the necessary repairs and to ensure there is no further damage to the school (e.g., root systems compromising the foundation)."

Bishop Feildstudents are returning to the former School for the Deaf,where they attended the previous school year after the partial roof collapse in the gymnasium, to begin the 2018-19 school year.

As another complication to start the school year, the School for the Deaf is within the service area of the Petty Harbour-Long Pond water supply, which the City of St. John's announced last week had elevated levels of manganese. With the city warning residents not to drink discoloured water, the school will provide bottled water for students.

• Bishop Feild Elementary shut down after concrete collapses from gym ceiling

"As previously communicated, student transportation (busing) will continue to be provided," NLESDsaid in their project update release.

"The provincial government, through the Department of Transportation and Works, will continue to oversee the project, working in partnership with the district and any contractors engaged to complete the work. As the tender process unfolds, and work proceeds, the district remains committed to ensuring the school community is updated with the latest information."

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