Wodonga students sent home after mould scare

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Wodonga students sent home after mould scare

20/08/2008

http://bordermail.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/wodonga-

students-sent-home-after-mould-scare/1249134.aspx?src=rss

ABOUT 600 Wodonga students will stay home from class for the rest of

the week after a mould scare at a city high school.

Wodonga Senior Secondary College principal MacLean said any

student not undertaking a year 12 subject had been told to stay home

until Monday while a specialist consultant analysed furry, black

mould found underneath the school.

About 350 students are expected to remain at school from today until

Friday, while about 600 of their peers in years 10 and 11 will stay

home.

Mr MacLean said it wasn't a decision made lightly.

" It's not ideal, but I felt I had no alternative, to be honest until

I'm assured it's OK, " he said.

" I know it's a disruption to families and kids.

" But I feel it was justified because, ultimately, my concern is for

student and staff health and safety. "

A staff member noticed condensation in a school fuse box about 2½

weeks ago, accompanied by a smell of damp in several rooms.

A leaking pipe and " extensive " mould coverage was soon discovered

underneath the school, potentially affecting up to two-fifths of the

total facility.

Mr MacLean quickly closed two wings, including the front office, the

main computer lab and two classrooms, and alerted parents to the

development.

" We've had a couple of calls seeking clarification, " he said.

" But mostly, the parents have been terrific, and I'm really

heartened to say the kids have been really positive.

" There has been no panic, they're quite calm.

" I believe they've been kept informed — we've been upfront with

everything that's happened. "

Mr MacLean said counselling had been offered to members of the

school community distressed by the situation but no one had taken it

up as yet.

The potential health effects of the mould won't be known until

testing is complete but Mr MacLean said a general warning had been

issued to staff and students.

" I received initial advice that anyone who had respiratory ailments,

low immune systems or suffered from asthma may experience some

irritation, " he said.

Mr MacLean said he didn't believe anyone had reported such symptoms

but advised those with concerns to seek medical advice.

" It's mid-winter — people get coughs and colds and all sorts of

things, " he said.

" I can't make a judgement as to if any one individual is or isn't

suffering.

" All I say is if you think you could be, please consult your doctor. "

The n Department of Education has also been notified.

The department has provided two portable classrooms, which arrived

yesterday, to help with the temporary reshuffle.

A mould specialist, understood to have been flown in from Perth,

arrives today to undertake detailed testing of the school's carpets,

floors, ceilings, desks and books.

Mr MacLean said he had been advised that much of the school —

including sites of recent upgrades — would not be at risk.

But the consultant will still test those areas, including the

library, VCE centre, and Galvin Hall, to be certain.

Mr MacLean said her findings would dictate what further action

needed to be taken, as well as explaining how long the mould had

been there and what effects it could have on staff and students.

AN EXCERPT FROM THE DRAFT VERSION OF THE LETTER SENT TO PARENTS

YESTERDAY:

Due to ongoing testing and cleaning of the affected areas, we have

made the following temporary arrangements for students:

Year 10 and 11 students will not be required at school for the

remaining three school days of this week — with the exception of

students doing Units 3/4 VCE and second year VET subjects.

Affected year 10 and 11 students are expected to continue their work

from home.

Students will still be able to contact their teachers and access the

school's online learning management system from home — if they have

access to the internet — or failing this, from locations such as the

Wodonga Library.

I apologise for this inconvenience, but ensuring we provide staff

and students with a safe working environment is our key priority.

- MacLean