Bellingen High School principal, Paul Holding, has given parents, students and the community an update to the work happening onsite post-arson attack.
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“The holidays have been a busy time for the contractors involved in getting our school back to full working order,” Mr Holding said.
“The demountable buildings have been installed with all of the utilities being connected; water, electricity, drainage, data cabling, Wi-Fi and telephones. When completed the buildings will be cleaned and handed over to us for use.
“I expect this to be within the first few weeks of term.
“I am very pleased with the condition of the buildings. They are light and airy, freshly painted with new furniture, carpeted and have reverse cycle air-conditioning.
“The timetable has already been developed with the new rooming and many resources already purchased to ensure a quick change when given the go-ahead.
“Work on modifying the music demountable has been approved and will commence this week. The plan is to change the layout from many small rooms to one classroom and four small rooms.
“When completed the building will have new carpet, air-conditioning and new student furniture.
“Work that has commenced on F Block to enable planning and construction work to begin, and the cleaning up of the Library.
“A container has been installed off the back car park next to the Music demountable to enable cleaned Library resources and equipment to be stored.
“Some resources will go into the demountable Library and others will be returned to the Library when ready for use. Next step will be the repairs that are required.”
Mr Holding said other work happening around the school includes external painting of the administration building, modifications to the canteen, woodwork benches upgraded, and a data projector installed in the B1 classroom.
“A team of staff and students formed to assist with the task of returning our school to its original standard and ensuring targeted support for our students and staff during this time will continue to meet this term and report to our school community,” he said.
“I would like to acknowledgement of our staff who have worked extended hours in all areas to maintain the day-to-day running of our school while undertaking necessary work to ensure changes happen quickly and smoothly.
“Our students have also responded with disappointment but understanding and a commitment to get on with it. I must say that I would have expected nothing less knowing that our school is about people not buildings.”