Kalbarri District High School students and staff will return to the school next week following tireless efforts from multiple agencies to clear the school of cyclone damage.
Staff will return to the site on Monday, May 3 to prepare for the return of students on Tuesday, May 4. Students will continue to learn at the Kalbarri Allen Centre and St Marks Anglican Church on Monday, May 3.
The departments of Education and Finance, and other agencies have been working together to remove debris and foliage, and repair damage to enable the school to re-open as soon as possible after the town was devastated by Cyclone Seroja.
Binnu Primary School students will continue to learn from the Binnu Town Hall with supplies sent in from Perth until the school is cleared to re-open.
The Lone Pine tree at Binnu Primary School has been inspected by an arborist. Every effort is being made to save the tree.
Staff and parents who have questions or need advice are welcome to call the helpline (1800 882 345 from 8am to 4pm).
Parents will be updated whenever new information is available, and a team of school psychologists, chaplains and experienced principals will continue to be on the ground to provide additional support.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"What an incredible effort by the community and multiple agencies to get Kalbarri District High School up and running so soon after the devastation of Cyclone Seroja.
"I'm thrilled staff and students can return to school next week and I hope Binnu Primary School staff and students will also be able to return to their school soon.
"I've heard some heartening stories of these communities coming together in what has been a really challenging time to do all they can to help each other.
"I've also heard the Binnu community has banded together to help the Lone Pine survive by keeping it watered and well-tended to.
"It's encouraging that the community spirit is well and truly alive in Kalbarri and Binnu."
