THE headteacher of fire hit school says she has been humbled by the support they have received and revealed they aim to rebuild the classrooms damaged by fire in September 2022.
Cath Bryan said since the fire in January three classrooms at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School were demolished, while two others are to be refurbished.
“It was a disaster for the school, it was horrific,” the headteacher said about the fire, which is understood to have been caused by an electrical issue.
“School went back this week and we have been able to accommodate four classes within our school, while the other classes are in Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre. In the next couple of weeks we are having some temporary classes put on one of our playgrounds, to take us through the rest of the building work.
READ MORE: Thousands raised for fire hit school
READ MORE: 'Memories can't burn' - Fire-hit Droitwich school's heartfelt thanks to supporters
“Pre-school, reception and year one is being designed, to be rebuilt. After Easter all the children will be back at the St Joseph’s site. The rebuild is going to take a good 12 months, so we are aiming to reopen properly in September 2022.”
The part of the school damaged at the Ombersley Way-based site was for early years, with toys, books, stationery and computers destroyed in the fire. The parents of the early years classes started a fundraiser to support the school, with the initial target of £1,000 smashed within hours, and more than £7,000 raised to date.
“The money from the community will help us now, before the rebuild to make sure children have got the resources we lost in the fire,” the headteacher said.
“It has been used to replenish so we can carry on with our teaching straight away. We had lots of donations of good quality toys for the little ones, and resources the children could use, which has been great. The support from the community has been incredible. So many people donating toys, money, even them sending kind words and messages of support. It has been very humbling.”
There is still time to make a donation to support the school, by visiting uk.gofundme.com/f/fundraising-after-st-josephs-fire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here