Official opening of rebuilt South Hedland school

6/8/93

Education Minister Norman Moore officially opened the rebuilt South Hedland Primary School today.

New buildings valued at $1.3 million replaced parts of the original school which was severly damaged by fire in April last year.  Six classrooms, the library resource centre and the school's garden of history were gutted in the blaze.

Mr Moore praised the efforts of school staff, businesses and the wider community which enabled students to continue classes while the school was rebuilt.

"Country communities seem to have a special strength - a strength demonstrated at the South Hedland Primary School during the aftermath of the fire," he said.

"The end result of this magnificent community effort is not only new buildings but a school which has been redesigned to best meet the needs of students.

"I am sure the 393 students at the school this year will benefit in many ways from the changes made."

The school now includes a music room, a bigger, fully automated library resource centre, an art/craft room and a small area for staff study.

Mr Moore also re-opened the school's garden of history, originally the idea of former deputy principal Jean Rickards who was also present at the opening.

"Here again the efforts of a number of dedicated people ensured the resurrection of a unique part of the school which would otherwise have been lost to not only the South Hedland Primary School but to the community as well," he said.

Media contact: Ross Storey  321 1444 or 222 9595