09 Oct 2011
Education and Training NSW has marked down this Thursday as a fundraiser for Queensland flood victims.
After talking to staff, several parents and many students the feeling seemed to be that schools affected by the floods in NSW and Victoria were being ignored. Many people felt that Queensland schools will receive help through the Queensland Flood appeal and the flood levy. Therefore I have decided that we will directly support a NSW school, affected by the floods, rather than donate to the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal.
I have located a school in the New England Region called Bonshaw Public School that was affected by the floods. Bonshaw PS is a small school on the Queensland border, west of Tenterfield.
Whilst their classrooms were saved (as they are Queenslander style buildings on stilts) their grounds, sporting facilities, sporting gear and other equipment that was on ground level was severely damaged.
Bonshaw had little warning of the impending floods so the school had no time to prepare.
The school only has 28 students and two teachers. The Principal Helen Stassi said that whilst some things are being replaced by insurance not all equipment and facilities are covered.
The community is only small and many residents were also affected by the floods so there are limited sources to raise money to replace equipment.
The school website is
http://www.bonshaw-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/
You might like to go to the photo gallery and scroll down to look at the aerial photos of the town to get an idea of how small the town is.
There are also links to maps so that you can get a sense of the location.
Our senior students are planning some activities for next Thursday and are aiming to raise $500.