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Schools To Close Due To Fire

Eighteen government schools in the Gippsland region will close from Monday – bringing to 21 the number of schools closed in the Gippsland region as a precautionary measure in the wake of the bushfires.

By Department of Education - 12th December 2006 - Back to News

Department of Education Regional Director, Michonne van Rees, said the primary concern was for the safety of students and school staff.

"Temporarily closing these schools is a precautionary measure being taken in case the fires worsen over the weekend," Ms van Rees said.

"Closing schools today and on a school day gives all principals the chance and time to contact all parents so they can make arrangements."

The following schools have been identified as being at risk of potential threat and will be closed for the duration of next week:

1. Dargo Primary School
2. Briagolong Primary School
3. Boisdale Consolidated School
4. Lindenow Primary School
5. Lindenow South Primary School
6. Woodglen Annex - Lindenow
7. Maffra Primary School
8. Maffra Secondary College
9. Heyfield Primary School
10. Airly Primary School
11. Bundalaguah Primary School
12. Meerlieu Primary School
13. Stratford Primary School
14. Clifton Creek Primary School
15. Swifts Creek Primary School
16. Swifts Creek Secondary College
17. Omeo Primary School
18. Bruthen Primary School

Ms van Rees said the decision to close these schools in the Wellington and East Gippsland regions was made following consultation with police and the Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre (MECC).

The schools will be closed for one week commencing Monday 11 December.

Ms van Rees said a wind change could result in other schools being closed.

"The risk to schools in these surrounding areas is being monitored and schools will be advised if action is required," she said.

"Obviously as the fires change the situation will change and we will be keeping schools, parents and students informed at all times."

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

For more information contact Michonne van Rees on 0418 390 892

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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