That’s the update from the NSW Department of Education this week as work continues in earnest on setting up temporary classrooms at Deniliquin High School by the time term one begins on Monday, February 9.
Just months after a major fire destroyed large sections of Deniliquin High School on November 29, recovery efforts are accelerating.
Construction teams have spent the summer transforming the school oval into a temporary learning village.
Efforts are also progressing on plans to have all asbestos removal work completed before staff return on Tuesday, February 3.
“Students will start learning from the temporary school on day one of term one,” the department said.
“Staff will be on site to welcome students and parents and provide information about classroom locations.
“There may be some minor works on site during term one to complete the temporary school.
“This may include the completion of ramps, covered walkways, and landscaping.
“We are committed to ensuring the temporary school is safe and fully equipped to support students learning.
“Students will continue learning from the temporary school while planning is underway for the rebuild of the schools’ permanent facilities. We will keep the school community updated as plans for the rebuild of the permanent school facilities progress.”
Twenty‑four demountable buildings — including classrooms, staff rooms and toilet facilities — have now been installed, with carpet laying and electrical, data and water connections underway.
Specialist learning spaces have also been fast‑tracked.
The school’s temporary technology and applied sciences workshops, library and science labs are expected to be operational by day one.
Despite the large footprint required, designers have ensured that students will still have access to green space, while the existing basketball courts will also remain available.
While work on the temporary campus progresses, crews continue to clear and assess the fire‑affected parts of the school.
“The few buildings that were not affected by the fire have been inspected and cleared by hygienists and will be safe to use in term one,” the department said.
“The buildings with only minor fire impacts have been decontaminated in preparations for staff and students to safely use, pending clearance from hygienists.
“A licensed contractor is continuing to remove damaged and contaminated materials, including asbestos, from the buildings that are no longer usable. These areas have been secured with fencing for the safety of students, staff and the community.
“If any additional asbestos removal needs to take place after February 3, we will notify the school.
“All asbestos removal works will take place within the fenced off area within a safe distance from the usable areas of the school. Air monitoring will be in place during remediation works to ensure safety of staff.
“Ongoing 24/7 air monitoring is being carried out on the school grounds around the fire affected areas and results to date confirm zero levels of airborne asbestos. We will continue to monitor air quality in these areas.”
Installation of decks and ramps for the temporary campus will be completed this week, with covered walkways and pathways to follow.
Additional specialist demountables — including science and woodwork facilities — are due to arrive in the coming weeks.
Furniture, IT equipment, and essential utility connections are progressing and will continue up until the start of term.
Some minor finishing works, such as landscaping and remaining ramp installations, may continue during Term 1 but will not disrupt learning.
Further details and updates on the recovery project are available at edu.nsw.link/DeniliquinHS-FireRecovery. Community members can also contact School Infrastructure NSW during business hours at schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au or by calling 1300 482 651.
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