The completion of a $15 million building is the silver lining and closing of a challenging chapter for Puckapunyal Primary School.
After more than two years spent in portable classrooms due to a devastating fire that ripped through at the end of 2020, students are now enjoying the upgraded facilities.
Principal Kevin Warne said that despite losing the main school building, including nine classrooms, in the fire, the school community had managed to stay positive throughout the ordeal.
“We just want to let the community know that we are back to normal. We are very grateful,” he said.
The new building provides a modern and uniquely Puckapunyal education experience.
The foyer welcomes with sound-insulated high ceilings, natural light and an artwork by Taungurung elder Aunty Jo Honeysett.
The school pays homage to its bush surrounds with Australian coat of arms animal statues at the entry to the building and plenty of real-life kangaroos and emus inhabiting the bushland that backs on to the school oval.
The build includes a multi-purpose assembly space, library, science room and specialised art room, including a kiln room.
The outdoor space features a new basketball court and green space, with benches for students.
There are still a few more items on the wish list, including a refurbishment of the canteen and a synthetic-surface basketball court.
Each classroom is fitted with a smart whiteboard and there are plans to purchase more laptops and iPads for the classrooms as the needs of the students become clear.
Where previously the school buildings were separated, the Year 5 and 6 classrooms are now joined to the main school building.
Mr Warne said the support and generosity of the community helped keep the school going in the aftermath of the fire.
“When the school burnt down we lost $500,000 worth of books. Now everything in this library has been donated to our school over the last couple of years,” he said.
For many students, the portable classrooms are all they have known of Puckapunyal Primary School.
The classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 have graduated and many families have moved postings within the defence force.
School captain Thais Ornsby is one of the minority of students that remembers the day the school burnt down.
“My stomach dropped, I felt bad for Mr Warne and all the students that had to go Seymour College. They were very welcoming but it’s still nothing like Pucka,” Thais said.
“This new school is really amazing, all the new facilities are great.”
Puckapunyal Primary School is currently taking enrolments and welcomes students from the area, including those who do not come from defence families.