School’s out until fire

By Bridget Cook
LABERTOUCHE and Bunyip primary schools were among the many that had to close their doors in the aftermath of Black Saturday.
School closures around the region have taken place particularly for precautionary measures.
Labertouche Primary School, which has only 26 students, still remains closed.
This week students have been relocated to Longwarry Primary School to begin getting back into some routine, said acting-principal Pat Alexander.
Ms Alexander said that children were provided with plenty of support on return to school.
“The Education Department organised for counsellors to work with the children through activities and getting them to talk about what had happened,” she said.
“When the counsellors thought the students were ready they were returned to the classroom.”
Bunyip Primary School was closed for precautionary measures on the Monday following the Bunyip State Park fires.
Principal Ted Lease said that the school remained in contact with emergency service throughout and if danger was increased, emergency plans would be activated.
“On return to school the children were a little apprehensive as there was still smoke in the area and helicopters flying over,” Mr Lease said.
Mr Lease said that a fire awareness day should be held once a year in all schools.
“Children can learn about fire dangers, and schools can learn ways that they can become more active in the future, in case of a fire”
Labertouche Primary School is still unsure of when it will re-open.
Ms Alexander said “like most schools affected, we are just working on a day to day basis.”