Parent slams Hillview, ministry after foam party leads to eye injuries

THE MOTHER of a first-form student is dissatisfied with Hillview College's response after an incident at a foam party reportedly left many students, including her child, with severe eye irritation and blurred vision.

She told Newsday she planned to have her child's clothes tested to determine the foam's chemical composition.

Pre-teen and teenage students reportedly began to feel their eyes sting during a party at the school in Tunapuna on February 22.

The mother criticised what they described as a lack of transparency on the part of the school and the Ministry of Education, saying no official communication had been made directly to affected families.

"I am not satisfied, because the (parent-teachers association) said they are not responsible for this, that it's the form-six students that held this event.

"So you want to tell me you just give consent for some form-six students to go ahead and do this without having proper procedures?"

The event was advertised as being hosted by the school on a graphic on its social media pages.

She said her child continued to suffer swollen eyes, itching and discomfort, and fears the damage could be serious and permanent.

She also voiced concern over conflicting reports on the number of affected students, saying while the school initially reported seven cases, she believed the actual figure exceeded 100, owing to the large number of students seeking medical attention at various hospitals and private clinics, including the Mount Hope Hospital and the St Augustine Private Hospital, since the night of February 22.

“They went to other hospitals. While we were at hospital, at least 16 or 17 children were there, and more came in throughout the day,” she said, adding that their general practitioner said he had also treated several affected students.

Questions have been raised over the chemical mixture used during the foam party, with some parents suspecting improper dilution or contamination by dangerous chemicals.

“Whatever they used (smelled like) dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent. It was not diluted properly and was mixed with something else,” the mother suggested.

The school said in a note to parents that it was aware of the supplier and that the chemical ratio was weaker than usual, the mother disputed this, saying it would not have sent so many students for medical attention.

She fears a lack of clarity about the mixture would leave doctors or specialists unable to diagnose and effectively treat the issue.

The school's acting principal Derek Bissessar acknowledged the incident in a notice to parents.

He said the school was committed to supporting all parents and children who were affected.

He said the foam was prepared by a reputable company involved in similar events.

"In this case, the ratio used was ten to one for the mixture, so it was more diluted as compared to the normal four to one ratio.

"We are in communication with them to better understand what may be responsible for the adverse reactions some of the children have experienced.

"We will keep the college community updated with any information that we receive.

“In the meantime, the school has sent a picture of the chemical used in the event your medical professional may find this information useful."

The mother urged the Ministry of Education to investigate the matter thoroughly to prevent an unnecessary scandal.

They also accused the school of failing to take immediate action and communicate properly.

“We deserve to know what caused this,” she said.

Newsday sought an update from Education Minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly. She replied to questions with the same comments she made in an article in another newspaper on February 24.

She responded to Newsday via WhatsApp, saying the foam was "provided by a company with a track record in doing these events."

She said in total, the principal was aware of seven Hillview students seeking medical attention, four being treated at home and "some" from other schools experiencing similar symptoms.

The principal's report indicated all students were recovering without complications, she said, but the ministry may ban foam from school events.

“Schools will be further advised this week.”

Newsday sought clarity from the minister about the total number of affected students and from which schools they attended, noting the mother's observation that far more students from Hillview College alone were seen receiving treatment.

Newsday also noted the mother's scepticism about the chemical formula of the foam and asked if the ministry was actively investigating the matter, but the minister stopped responding.