Fundraiser aims to help Cosgrove High School rebuild after devastating fire

Parents, family and friends of a Tasmanian school that burnt down last month aim to rebuild the school bigger and better than ever. HOW TO HELP >>

• High school to shut for weeks after fire destroys classrooms
• Cosgrove High fire: School staff ‘beside themselves’

THE community has rallied behind a fire-ravaged school to ensure it will be rebuilt bigger and better than ever.

The Australian Education Union has launched a fundraising appeal to support staff and students at Cosgrove High School following extensive fire damage to the school’s now-demolished B Block, which held Year 9 and 10 classrooms and staff offices.

Staff and students are now learning from Claremont College until the end of the year.

Police and fire investigators at the site of the overnight fire at Cosgrove High School. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

AEU Tasmania president Helen Richardson said the school community was working together to make the last few weeks of the year as enjoyable and productive as possible.

“Buildings and equipment can be replaced, and the Department of Education will fully cover those costs,” she said.

“The impact of this fire goes beyond a building and after a year like 2020, the community is getting behind Cosgrove High School to build back better than ever.

“We want to provide the whole community with the opportunity to contribute something to the Cosgrove High School community.

“More importantly, the whole community can show Cosgrove High School students and staff that they care and stand with them through this difficult time.”

The intense Cosgrove High School blaze captured from a nearby resident's backyard at Glenorchy. Photographer: CHERYL GEEVES.

Funds raised will be spent in a way that best meets the needs of students and staff, she said.

“Donations will help lift learning and school life at Cosgrove to be better than ever. It might be new facilities and equipment or something they have always needed but haven’t quite had the budget for — help turn tragedy into an opportunity by making a donation,” Ms Richardson said.

An Education Department spokesman said students and staff had been amazing in adapting to their new temporary learning environment.

“With outstanding leadership at the school and the support from many areas of the department and the wider community, the school has made a successful transition to the college,” he said.

“Students have been excited to have a small taste of the college experience.”

Donations can be made at the Australian Education Union’s website.

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