Support and funds have begun pouring into a Raymond Terrace primary school that was damaged by fire on Sunday night.
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Irrawang Public School's P&C established a gofundme on Tuesday with a goal of raising $15,000 to replace items lost in the fire that destroyed two demountables and other damage classrooms.
"Unfortunately, insurance alone will not replace the vast amount of resources that have been lost," Samantha Winter, president of the P&C, stated.
The school was to remain closed for a third day on Wednesday, with students to continue learning from home while the site was made safe and cleaned.
Principal Stacy Mathieson told families on Tuesday afternoon that the school would be "non-operational" again on March 23 but it was hoped face-to-face learning could pick up again on Thursday.
"While the cleaning and repairs continue to our buildings to ensure they meet the Education Department's high standards for teaching and learning, this work is taking a little longer than planned," she said.
"Therefore, the school will be non-operational on Wednesday but face-to-face teaching is expected to resume for all classes on Thursday.
"The patience of parents and carers in this difficult situation is appreciated, and we are all working hard to have our students back in their classes as soon as possible."
Emergency services were called to the school in Geer Street shortly after 10.30pm following reports that two demountable buildings were engulfed by flames.
"Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze, which had destroyed the buildings," police said.
The site was examined by specialist forensic officers. The Thou-Walla Family Centre demountable located at the rear of the school grounds was destroyed by the fire.
"Thou-Walla has been called the heart of our school and community," Ms Winter said. " Thou-Walla co-ordinator Gina [Ascott-Evans] is an integral part of our school community and contributes generously.
"While the journey to repair our school and rebuild Thou-Walla will take many months, we know our community will rally behind us."
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
