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Schools Reopen To Finish School Year

A number of Gippsland schools which were closed in the wake of the bushfires, will reopen next week to end the school year and allow for end of year activities. One school will remain closed.

By Department of Education - Gippsland - 15th December 2006 - Back to News

Department of Education Regional Director, Michonne van Rees said it was important for students to celebrate the school year together.

In light of current fire activity fifteen schools will reopen on Monday 18 December for classes as normal. Seventeen others will open on Monday only, which will be the final school day of the year for these students.

Ms van Rees said that forecasts suggested that the potential threat to some schools had been reduced, allowing them to be reopened for the final week of the school year.

A number of school buses in the Lindedow area however, are unable to run due to road closures.

"School buses with routes into the Lindenow area will be cancelled and parents will need to transport their children to school in these instances," said Ms van Rees.

"The fire risk to these schools will be continually monitored and if subsequent closure is required this decision will be made in sufficient time to advise all parents."

The following schools will reopen on Monday 18 December for classes as normal for a week:

1. Cobains Primary School
2. Bairnsdale West Primary School
3. Bairnsdale Primary School
4. Bairnsdale Secondary College
5. Lucknow Primary School
6. Paynesville Primary School
7. Eagle Point Primary School
8. East Gippsland Specialist School
9. Bruthen Primary School
10. Tambo Upper Primary School
11. Lindenow Primary School
12. Lindenow South Primary School
13. Woodglen Annex - Lindenow
14. Meerlieu Primary School
15. Clifton Creek Primary School

Seventeen schools will reopen on Monday only, for the final day of school. These schools will be open for students and parents to collect belongings, reports, and to say their goodbyes.

The following schools will reopen on Monday 18 December only, for the final school day of the year:

1. Swifts Creek Primary School
2. Swifts Creek Secondary College
3. Omeo Primary School
4. Boisdale Consolidated Primary School
5. Nambrok/Dennison Primary School
6. Rawson Primary School
7. Toongabbie Primary School
8. Glengarry Primary School
9. Tyers Primary School
10. Cowwarr Primary School
11. Maffra Primary School
12. Maffra Secondary College
13. Heyfield Primary School
14. Airly Primary School
15. Bundalaguah Primary School
16. Stratford Primary School
17. Briagolong Primary School

No school buses will be running to these schools on this day, due to a number of significant road closures along bus routes. Parents will be required to drive their children if they wish to attend.

"Given the predicted return of hot weather mid week, it has been decided that an early closure of these schools for the 2006 year is a prudent course of action. As always, student and staff safety is paramount," said Ms van Rees.

"These schools which will be reopened for one day only, will provide students with the opportunity to gain a sense of closure to the school year, amid what has been a difficult time for many families."

Schools which are still under threat of fire and will remain closed for the 2006 school year are:

1. Dargo Primary School

Ms van Rees said these decisions to reopen and close schools were made following consultation with police and the Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre (MECC).

Additional bus route information:

• Traralgon Secondary College network buses which were cancelled yesterday will return to normal service on Monday
• Mirboo North network buses which were cancelled yesterday will return to normal service on Monday

Parents are reminded to listen to ABC local radio who will provide regular fire updates.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com