Willyama High School in Broken Hill, NSW closes after mould outbreak

A NSW high school will be closed after a severe mould outbreak was detected after a hot and humid summer, with students deployed to nearby schools.

A NSW high school will be closed after a severe mould outbreak was detected after a hot and humid summer, with students deployed to nearby schools.

A mould outbreak has forced the closure of a high school in NSW’s west, with parents informed that students will be split across nearby schools while the issue is fixed.

More than 600 students at Willyama High School in Broken Hill will not be able to return for the start of the school year on February 8 after “severe heat and humidity” over the summer holidays led to the severe mould issue.

On Tuesday, the school’s principal Grant Shepherd informed staff, parents, carers and students that pupils would be relocated to three other school across Broken Hill to ensure minimal disruption to the school year.

Willyama High School was shut down after mould was found on school grounds.

Students in Year 7 and 8 will be sent to Broken Hill North Public School, Years 9 and 10 will be relocated to Morgan Street Public School, and Year 11 and 12, and special education classes will begin the year at Broken Hill School.

Mr Shepherd promised “no student will be disadvantaged,” and commended the alternate schools for offering their support.

Far West NSW director of educational leadership Peter Macbeth said thanked staff and students for their understanding.

“We are privileged in Broken Hill to have a strong public education community and staff in each of the schools have not hesitated to offer support to the school community from Willyama High School,” he said.

As it stands, an independent occupational hygienist is still evaluating the condition of Willyama High School, with the Department of Education set to receive a detailed assessment of remediation requirements to remove the mould.

NSW Education Minister Prue Car thanked the Department of Education for working quickly to ensure students could return to face-to-face learning from February 8.

“This situation is deeply upsetting ahead of the return to school, and I appreciate this has been disruptive for the community,” she said.

“The NSW Government is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students, with Willyama High School students to be accommodated at neighbouring schools.”