FIRE razed large parts of Ararat West Primary School earlier this term but pupils and staff have been getting by, this time with a little help from Invermay friends.
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Invermay primary hosted Ararat West grades three to six, those whose classrooms had been destroyed, for a day of fun adventure in Ballarat.
What started as a simple idea from Invermay principal Justin Marshman, quickly gathered momentum with Gold Bus donating coaches and Regent Cinemas offering a screening of the new John Cena-voiced Ferdinand bull movie. Invermay then put on a barbecue lunch and play by Lake Wendouree
Ararat West principal Terry Keilar said everyone at the school had been humbled by fundraising gestures and this one was particularly special.
“This is brilliant. Our kids have something else to focus on for a day...this takes the focus off the fire itself,” Mr Keilar said.
Pupils spent most of the term in classrooms at the nearby high school but have been back on their own grounds, in temporary structures, the past three weeks.
This is brilliant. Our kids have something else to focus on for a day...this takes the focus off the fire itself.
- Terry Keilar, Ararat West
Mr Marshman said his pupils really took note when they realised Ararat West had lost iPads, displays and lots that would never come back.
“This is part of learning to do something for someone else..a bit of empathy,” Mr Marshman said.
A $2.1 million redevelopment should help build new classrooms within the next six months.
Prep to grade two pupils were able to remain in their classrooms after the October blaze.
Community fundraisers are helping to rebuild all the little extras Ararat West has lost – books, cupboards, resources.
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