After a fire destroyed a classroom during the summer school holidays, classes have returned as normal and it’s all systems go for 2018. 

The blaze destroyed the building which was used for the Little Learners initiative, as well as music lessons for students. 

Yanco Public principal Tarnya Grigg was pleased to report everything was up and running as normal. 

“Little Learners will commence on Friday of week five,” she said.

“We are very fortunate our local and broader community really helped us out with so many fantastic resources for play and learning.”

This year Little Learners will be co-ordinated by Gina Haines and Kay Strachan. 

“We have informed all of our current families and the wider community that Little Learners will be up and running and all our students will enjoy lots of fun and learning each Friday,” Ms Grigg said. 

All of the books, toys, equipment and more previously used as part of the program were lost in the fire, which broke out on January 4. 

Emergency services rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze, but the classroom was unable to be saved. 

However, no other building at the school was damaged and no one was injured. 

Among the Little Learners resources that were lost was also music instruments, which were being used for lessons. 

Since the fire, the community has jumped on board to help the school where possible. 

Many new and used items have been donated, with the school deciding to host a community barbecue on March 2, which is the same start date as Little Learners, to thank everyone who has helped or donated items since the unfortunate start to the new year. 

The ruined building was removed from the school last week, but there is no official word yet on when it will be replaced. 

Despite the challenges, the new school year has been off and running at Yanco Public.

“We began 2018 with seven new kindergarten students and we also have three new enrolments in other grades across the school,” Ms Grigg said.

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“We have had a fantastic start to 2018 with all of our students settling in well to our daily routines. 

“Our students are fortunate to have a second teacher in the classroom for several sessions during the week to assist with meeting learning outcomes.  

“Our chaplain program is again running this year with kitchen garden social skill development and art and craft activities. Students are enjoying our daily breakfast program as well.”