A local primary school has held a special celebration this week to officially reopen a learning block that was severely damaged more than a year ago.
On June 21 last year a truck crashed into the side of Clifton Hills Primary’s junior block building, damaging three classrooms and pushing the building off its footings.
Police confirmed a 56-year-old woman was in the cab of the truck when it careened down Princeton Street, across Connell Avenue and into the building.
The driver of the vehicle was taken to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment and luckily no students or staff were in the classroom at the time of the incident.
More than a year on, the school community finally have something to celebrate with a ribbon cutting ceremony held yesterday to mark the official reopening of the building.
Principal Patricia Joss said the school decided to host a “Block Party” to mark the occasion.
“We wanted to celebrate the improved teaching areas that have resulted from the refurbishment and give the community a sense of achievement,” she said.
“We also wanted to create a sense of ownership and belonging for our school community.”
Mrs Joss said as a result of the crash, the school has had to operate out of six transportable classrooms that were placed on site, as well as multiple sea containers, which were used for storage.
“The side that was damaged was refurbished through insurance and the other side was refurbished to mirror the improvements to the other side, which was paid for by the Department of Education,” she said.
“The staff and parents have been fantastic in supporting the moving back in to the block and we particularly want to commend our staff for ensuring the children were supported throughout the upheaval.
“Children are very excited to be in their classrooms and happily provided tours for other classes throughout the Block Party event.”
