Upper Mount Gravatt State School reopened on 18 June, after a fire broke out and ravaged Block E on the night of June 14th 2019, thanks to the government teams and contractors that worked round-the-clock to build the new replacement classrooms in just two days.
Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan commended everyone involved for all the hard work they have put in to make the rebuilding possible, which according to Minister Grace was nothing short of herculean.
Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / upmtgravss.eq.edu.au
“Work to clear the site and install temporary classrooms commenced as soon as the site was released by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and the Queensland Police Service,” Ms Grace said..
“As a result, around 80 hours after the fire started students will be walking into replacement classrooms ready for another school day having missed only one day of school.
“I thank the teams at the Department of Education and the Department of Housing and Public Works’ Building and Asset Services, as well as all the contractors who have worked around the clock to help get this school back on its feet.
Principal Derek Brady said that students from classrooms in E Block will be provided with new book pack and the replacement classrooms will have new furniture as well.
“This incredible support for our school will ensure that we can get back to the business of education in a timeframe I didn’t think was possible just a day ago,” Principal Derek Brady said.
“Amazing” was how Mrs McMillan described the response from the southside community after her office put out a call on social media for donations of learning materials to replace the ones that were lost in the fire.
“These donations will further minimise the impact of the fire on students.”
Authorities are investigating the “suspicious” fire that gutted one of the Upper Mount Gravatt State School buildings and destroyed eight classrooms and supplies.
Anyone with information about the fire may contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000, or provide the information through the QPS online form.