As a significant community asset, it’s no surprise that there have been messages of shock and condolence being shared about Deniliquin High School.
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Readers have used the Deniliquin Pastoral Times social media pages to share their thoughts and a few memories.
Others have used their own social media to express sadness and pledge support to the staff and families most directly impacted by the fire.
Among those reaching out to the Pastoral Times was Muriel Halford, whose family was connected to the school from its opening year.
“I was at Deniliquin High School in its first year, 1954,” Muriel shared.
“My father - Ron Brill - taught and was transferred as principal of the primary school in 1954, so I came back from being a boarder at Hay War Memorial High School.
“The first principal was Jack Williams, and in my last two years it was Bert Farlow.
“The initial school was a brick building - four classrooms, facing the main building, there was a home science room and to the left were demountables one of which was the science lab.
“The building known as the weather shed was behind the main building.
“In the centre of the main building was the principal’s office and storeroom behind.
“I had my maths lessons with Mr Farlow in the storeroom, probably frowned upon these days.
“At the end of the main building was the staff room.”
Muriel completed what was then known as the ‘leaving certificate’ in 1956.
There was four of us in our final year - me and Pat Henry, and two boys who I can’t remember.
“I was school captain in 1956 - not a lot of competition.
“Please accept my sadness at the loss of the school.
“I have many happy memories of my time there.”
Some of the other reader reactions are provided below.
Deirdre - Another part of history gone. I hope the firefighter injured recovers well and god bless all for their efforts.
Cheyanne - Huge loss to the community.
Vallereen - Not good for all students and future students, especially at this time of year. Hopefully a bigger and better build in future time.
Suzanne - Such devastation! Really sad for the community. Ex-student from 1969.
Janene - WOW! Very sad news. I have such great memories and forever friendships formed at Deni High. They will reform and rebuild with such a terrific community. Thoughts are with everyone.
Paula - Absolutely devastating. I have a lot of memories there. Thinking of everyone that went to Deni High.
Julie - Just terrible alot of funny memories at DHS ... not to mention it’s the pride of the town.
Mitchell - So terribly sad. So many brilliant memories in those rooms and hallways gone.
Mary - This is very sad to see. Well done to all the firefighters, doing a wonderful job.
Vicki - Very sad, many happy memories. I was shocked when I realised this building is well over 50 years old.
Tammy - So sad. Teachers, students and the whole community have lost a lot of history with that building.
Helen - A very sad day in Deni’s history.
Jacqui - Sad news, thoughts and prayers to all the community!
Jamie - Absolutely devastating news for everyone that has ever taught or attended the school. Emergency services did a terrific job!
Gail - This news is devastating. I have had three generations go through this school. My condolences to the Deniliquin community.
Lisa - Thoughts are with the entire community at this time. It’s going to be a massive juggling act getting the kids into other schools, if necessary, while it is being rebuilt.
Christine - Went past the school two weeks ago to show my daughter on way to Rutherglen. Was saying how good the school looked.
Tracy - Well done to everyone who managed to save the rest of the school. Thoughts are with all those affected.
Learion - That’s devastating, not only for the teachers and students but for the community as well. What a fantastic firefighting crew we have. Well done Deni fire brigades.
Wendy - Thank you to all the emergency services who have had a very difficult night.