Southport State High School principal devastated by ‘tragic loss’ of heritage building
The principal of Southport State High School has spoken out about the “tragic loss” of a heritage listed school block engulfed by fire overnight
Education
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THE principal of Southport State High School has spoken out about the “tragic loss” of a heritage listed school block engulfed by fire overnight.
Nigel Hughes said “many messages” of support have flowed after the B Block building was ”significantly damaged” in the blaze.
The block contained nine spaces, including special education, computer labs, staff rooms and learning spaces.
It’s thought the fire started on the second floor, but authorities have not yet been able to shed any light about a possible cause.
The fire tore through the block less than a week before students return from school holidays on Tuesday.
The Department of Education and QBuild have been working to ensure that staff and students can return in time for Term 4.
“It is in times like these that our true community spirit shines through,” Mr Hughes said in a statement.
SOUTHPORT STATE HIGH SCHOOL HERITAGE LISTED BUILDING IN FLAMES
“This is a tragic loss for our school and I want to assure you that we are working with government agencies in response to this incident.
“Both police and emergency services are investigating and will need time to do their work and I will update you further over the weekend.
“I would ask that as a community we allow our dedicated emergency services personnel to do their job and stay well away from the site so they can complete their work.”
Mr Hughes said clearance to access the school could only be approved once Queensland Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services declare the site safe.
Earlier today, station officer Marcus Barrett, of Southport Fire Station, said there was a “small amount of asbestos” in the damaged building.
Mr Hughes said it “may take some time” to regain access to the Smith St school.
“We will put student, staff and community safety at the centre of decision making,” he said.
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The principal was working with the Department of Education and Department of Housing and Public Works “who have already been on site to ensure that our students and staff can get back to teaching and learning as soon as possible”.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said “parents and families will be informed over the weekend regarding arrangements for next week”.
Mr Hughes encouraged parents to discuss the incident with their children and to “be alert to their emotional wellbeing”.
He said the school will need to put “alternative arrangements” in place before the term begins.
Bonney MP Sam O’Connor told the Bulletin demountables would be quickly transported to the school to fill in for nine classrooms inside B Block.
He said he had been overwhelmed by messages from the school community lamenting the loss of the building, which is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.
Mr O’Connor reported the school was at capacity and the loss of classrooms was a concern. However, the Department of Education spokesperson said the school ”still has capacity for about 300 students”.
Construction has been underway on the new $12m three-storey building located next to B Block. It was not impacted by the fire.
The school currently has a “built capacity to cater for over 2100 students and currently has some 1815 students enrolled”, the spokesperson said.
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