A major fire destroyed a number of facilities at St Mary’s Primary School, Beaudesert early on Monday morning August 19.
The school was closed from Monday until Wednesday, with parents advised to keep children at home.
The school’s administration offices, Years 6 and 7 classrooms, staff room and a toilet block were extensively damaged.
Police and the fire brigade were on the scene to investigate the cause of the blaze throughout Monday and Tuesday. Early reports that the blaze had started in the school’s tuckshop were incorrect.
A clean-up was underway from Tuesday with plans being made for alternative accommodation for the students and staff affected.
Brisbane Catholic Education Executive Director, Pam Betts, said a range of assistance was being provided to the St Mary’s community, to enable the school to resume operations as soon as possible.
It had been hoped that the school would be able to operate on Wednesday, but the need to ensure the safety of students and staff had caused a further delay.
The affected area was completely cordoned off and hazardous materials were removed.
It was anticipated that the site would be safe and secure, and temporary replacement facilities for students and staff would be in place, by Thursday August 22.
Members of the school community rallied to ensure that teaching and learning can continue with a minimum of disruption for the affected students.
Students and staff were bussed between the school site and the Showgrounds on Thursday, as the clean-up continued on the site. Parents were requested to drop off, and pick-up, students at the school as normal.
Classes operated successfully at the Beaudesert Showgrounds, while the clean-up continued on the school campus.
By Thursday the scene of the fire had been fully secured and surrounding areas made safe for the return of students and staff.
It was anticipated that all operations will be back on the school site on Friday.
The St Mary’s community thanked the Beaudesert Show Society for its generosity in providing a venue for classes on Thursday, and the community of the Beaudesert region for its support and best wishes.
Information collated from releases by Brisbane Catholic Education
August 23, 2013