Holy Cross picking up pieces after fire at school

AFTER a devastating fire, Holy Cross Primary School in Zonnebloem is slowly getting back on its feet and to operating normally. The fire on February 7 caused serious damage to the Heritage Site.

Department of Education spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said: “The fire destroyed five structures, namely, three classrooms (Grades R, 4 and 7), the computer laboratory and the new library.

“As a temporary measure, the school was able to relocate the affected learners and staff to other vacant spaces.”

Even though none of the students or faculty were injured, there may be some emotional trauma. “Counselling was offered to the school, as well as additional security,” Hammond said.

There are plans to rebuild the school.

However, the department said the cost of the damages and rebuilding was still being determined. A teacher guessed that it could take up to two years to rebuild the school.

In the meantime, temporary arrangements have been made.

“The owners of the school have applied to the city to restore the electricity, and the Department has applied for additional temporary toilets for the pupils,” Hammond said.

Pupils and staff were moved to vacant areas of the school in order to continue their lessons.

The school has also received help from other schools as well as from businesses in the local community.

“Schools such as Zonnebloem Girls’ Primary sent out letters to their parents and guardians requesting that they make donations of stationery and school backpacks to help Holy Cross students whose belongings were damaged in the fire,” Hammond said.

“There has been overwhelming support fromschools, businesses and the general public in donating stationery and school bags to the affected grades.

“The district’s feeding scheme manager has assisted the school, along with the neighbouring schools, to supply the school with foodstuff. Pupils are being fed. We would like to thank everyone for their generosity over the past week,” she added.