Maryborough state schools support each other through floods

Education Minister Grace Grace today visited St Helens State School to see the clean-up effort that’s in full swing following last week’s floods.

Minister Grace, who was joined by the Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders, said the damage at the school was significant but that alternative learning arrangements were in place for all St Helens students.

“I’m in Maryborough today to see the impact of this flooding at St Helens firsthand, but also see the community's hard work and determination to reopen as soon as possible,” Minister Grace said.

“Sadly there is a lot of damage. Floor coverings, wall sheeting, insulation, operable walls and some joinery will need to be removed in 10 of the 13 classrooms.

“The school resource centre, school hall, tuck shop, multi-purpose court, amenities building and most of the school grounds are all affected too.

“While the clean-up is ongoing, all students and staff at St Helens have a temporary home at Maryborough West State School, and I want to say a big thank you to that school community for opening up its doors and being so welcoming.

“St Helens students will remain in their normal classroom groups and with their normal teachers to keep the disruption to their learning to an absolute minimum.

"We're now looking at how we build back better, and ensuring any repairs and rebuilding includes a focus on flood mitigation."

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the community spirit is strong in Maryborough.

“It’s great to see Maryborough West State School reaching out and welcoming St Helen’s State School staff and students,” Mr Saunders said.

“This is the second time Maryborough West has welcomed students from St Helens, after the school flooded back in 2013.”

St Helens State School Principal Kim Burns praised the school community for stepping up in the school’s hour of need.

“It’s been an incredible time as our teachers and parents worked arm in arm to save so many of our classroom resources before the flood waters rose,” Ms Burns said.

“And we are now working with QBuild to clean out the school and do the necessary repairs so we can return next term.

“I am also incredibly proud of the way our students have handled the move to Maryborough West State School.

“Our teachers and administration staff have done a wonderful job to make the transition as smooth and low stress as possible.

“A huge thank you to Maryborough West SS for making us feel so welcome and supported.”

Photos of the visit and audio from the press conference available here

ENDS

Media contact – Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211