Classes have been suspended today at Petersfield High school in Westmoreland, following the death of a teacher.

Charmaine James who taught at the school for 30 years died yesterday, a day after celebrating her 50th birthday.

She was head of the Modern Languages department and taught Spanish and English.

Principal of Petersfield high, Roan Green, says he heard the news yesterday afternoon and having communicated with his staff, the decision was taken to suspend classes today to allow for grief counselling for the staff.

Mr. Green says Ms. James was at school all of last week and he last interacted with her on Friday.

The Petersfield High principal says teachers are devastated by the death of their colleague.