Tahlia, Pipa, Sol, Dominica, Jayden and teacher Wendy proudly display the school banner students created after the original school sign was burnt by fire. By Monique Ebrington
CHUM Creek Primary School re-opened its doors on Monday 16 February, more than a week after fires devastated much of the small community.
Even though the school was spared in the horrific Black Saturday blaze, it did not escape totally unscathed. The school’s chook shed, wheelchair ramp, play equipment and many trees around the school grounds were damaged in the firestorm.
Principal Michael Corr said it was important students were able to return to school as soon as possible.
“My main priority was getting kids back to school and back to normal — into a routine,” Mr Corr said.
“It gave them a chance to see that their friends, their school and their classrooms are safe.
As children returned to their studies, Mr Corr said there was a different focus on the week’s class schedule.
“In essence it was a normal school day although the focus, rather being on academic achievement, was on getting things back to normal,” he said.
“I think they all know something substantial has happened and are getting used to the change. I’ve had a few kids say, I want it to go back to the way it was.”
Although many families stayed away from the area, Mr Corr says the families who stayed had a tough week, one family being evacuated three times and one girl losing her father in the Toolangi fire.
“I was lucky that when I left here every day I could rest — most local families were left wondering what would happen during the night,” he said.
“They worried whether they would get the call during the night to evacuate. In one family the husband and wife took turns sleeping.”
Students were delighted by a visit from the Kilsyth Cobras basketball team and the donation of two jumping castles during the week.
