Eight classrooms emptied after tree falls

By Kerri Carr

Eight classrooms at Ulladulla Public School have been pulled from service after a large tree fell on a demountable classroom.

Relieving principal Evan Carson said a messmate [eucalyptus obliqua] tree fell onto the classroom about 2.40pm on February 3. There were 30 students and a teacher inside the classroom at the time.

Mr Carson said luckily the children were not sitting in their seats, but were lined up at the front of the classroom waiting to leave for sport.

He said the falling tree, originally located about 10 to 15 metres away from the classroom, caused the most damage towards the back of the classroom.

In one location the roof was almost completely crushed in. Glass also shattered during the incident.

The teacher and seven children were taken to hospital by ambulance, some suffering from shock and others with minor cuts and bruises.

"Just that morning the teacher had been discussing with his class the unfortunate incident where a school student was killed by a falling tree on a school camp," Ms Carson said.

"They had been talking about probability and decided the incident was a one in a million chance."

Mr Carson said a risk assessment regarding large trees and large overhanging branches had resulted in a decision to vacate classes from eight classrooms.

He said affected classes had been relocated to Ulladulla High School, the school hall, a local hall and the school library.

The Department of Education and Training and adjoining land owner, the local council, were now undertaking their own risk assessments.

The damaged classroom was replaced within 48 hours.

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