A forensic investigator and sniffer dog search for evidence in the remains of Kelso HS. Credit: Jason Donnelly/Western Advocate

Fire destroys high school

By Wayne Patterson

Federation has vowed to ensure there is a strong future for Kelso High School, after the school was significantly destroyed by fire on August 22.

Four classrooms were all that was saved of the large school of more than 700 students. Virtually all of the school's equipment and resources were lost with the exception of Rock Eisteddfod costumes.

Many teachers have lost personal property and teaching resources and many HSC students have lost their major works. Equipment of the school's student circus was also destroyed. Many of the school's records were backed up off-site but it is unclear if any of the school's current computer disks can be salvaged.

In addition to the local Organiser offering assistance in Bathurst, Federation General Secretary Barry Johnson has written to the Federation Representative and principal expressing sympathy to the school community and vowing to continue to monitor the situation and ensure staff and students are properly supported by the Department of Education and Training (DET).

Federation will seek a meeting with DET senior officers "to ensure there is a comprehensive strategy to support staff and students and ensure a positive future for Kelso High School".

The brick and timber building was constructed in the 1970s and featured exposed timber trusses and timber lined ceilings which burned quickly once the fire took hold. Local fire brigades were joined by units from many nearby communities to fight the fire. The police and State Emergency Service also participated in the massive effort.

The DET and Board of Studies responded quickly, contacting the school executive before the fire was extinguished.

At a meeting the next morning, Kelso High School teachers began making plans to maintain HSC classes and arrangements for other classes to resume. The DET was represented by the Regional Director and School Education Directors from Bathurst and neighbouring Orange. DET officers were on site to assist with the staff welfare, media, transport and property issues. The Organiser based in Bathurst represented Federation. Teachers and principals from other schools in Bathurst attended the meeting offering assistance.

Following the meeting of teachers, Kelso staff members met with students who gathered seeking information about the future of their school.

On the Monday, the students and teachers met in town. Year 12 students have resumed classes at Bathurst TAFE and other years were expected to resume classes in the following days at other schools and halls.

Pledges of money and other assistance have flooded into the local radio station from the regional council, local businesses, neighbouring schools, former students and members of the community.

Wayne Patterson is a Country Organiser.

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