With extreme temperatures, conditions in Quebec classrooms are not conducive to learning.
“It’s so hot, we have no air, it’s honestly suffocating,” explains author Simon Bucci-Wheaton.
According to a Level 1 teacher who agreed to speak to Benoit Dudrysak at QUB, the heat is causing the thermometer to swing between 27 and 31 degrees Celsius.
That’s not taking into account the humidex factor that adds to an already painful situation. The perceived temperature will be around 38 degrees.
In addition, the windows of many schools do not open fully, which does not allow for proper ventilation of the classrooms.
“Without mosquito nets the windows open only 15 centimeters,” said Mr. Bussey-Wheaton explains. “It lets the wasps in at least.”
Teaching staff also suffer from suffocation.
“Teachers are struggling,” explains the author. “Some are thinking of changing schools due to poor air conditioning. Some have to sit down.
Not only is it extremely hot, but the air quality is poor, affecting children’s health.
“Curtains, ventilation systems, we don’t know how long it’s been since they’ve been cleaned, so we have students with nosebleeds,” laments the teacher.
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