Arson-hit schoolmay shuttill2021

COSGROVE High School could remain closed until next year, as work gets underway to remedy the fire damage caused toclassrooms.

The northern suburbs high school was hit with $2 min damages when a deliberately lit fire tore through classrooms and office spaces last week.

A 15-year-old boy and a 17year-old girl were charged on Monday with arson relating to the high school blaze.

The fire destroyed the school’ s B block, which housed five Year 9 and 10 classrooms and staff offices.

An assessment of the block was undertaken before the site was demolished yesterday.

An Education Department spokesman said that students and staff had been quick to adapt to learning at the nearby Claremont College, where students would study for at least the next two weeks.

“Whilst it is still too soon to determine if the students will return to Cosgrove High School this year, it is abundantly clear that the strong school culture, built on the values of respect, responsibility and resilience, will see the school overcome this challenge ,” a spokesman said.

“Work has commenced to fully prepare the school for the commencement of the 2021 school year.’’

The replacement of learning and office spaces lost from

B block will be considered as part of the development of the masterplan for the planned $20mredevelopment.

The school is working with students to ensure planned end-of-year celebrations aren’ t impacted by the fire, the spokesmansaid.

“The immediate response from school staff, families and community, along with the generous support from Claremont College, has ensured minimal impact on student learning,”hesaid.

“The school will continue to communicate with the community as they work towards returning students back to the Cosgrove High Schoolsite.”