Work is set to get underway at Wee Waa High School and is expected to continue throughout this coming week, to remediate a small amount of mould identified in a wall between office spaces at the school as the result of a water leak from an air-conditioning drainage pipe.
The leak was identified within a wall cavity near the principal’s office during building inspection works last month. The issue was promptly addressed on 13 February, with repairs completed and air quality monitoring confirming the area was safe.
On 11 March, a follow-up inspection detected mould in the wall between the principal’s office and an adjoining office. As a precautionary measure, these areas were immediately closed off to ensure the safety of staff and students.
An independent hygienist attended the school on the same day to carry out assessments and provide advice on the remediation work moving forward.
Communication was sent to parents, carers, and staff on 12 March outlining key steps being undertaken, including:
- Air purification and remediation work, which is being conducted after school hours in a controlled environment and in full compliance with Work Health and Safety regulations.
- Continuous air monitoring and live mould testing throughout the process.
- Temporary closure of four additional offices as a precaution, with removal of wall linings to ensure thorough remediation.
- A final independent hygienist assessment and clearance certificate before impacted areas are reopened.
- As an added precaution, additional inspections of similar air-conditioning pipes in other wall cavities will be undertaken throughout the school.
The school assures staff, students and families this is an isolated issue, and the department is working closely to minimise disruption as remediation works are undertaken.
Further updates will be shared with the school community as inspections progress.
“The department remains committed to ensuring a safe and high-quality learning environment for all students and staff at Wee Waa High School.: said the news release.
“The redevelopment of Wee Waa High School has delivered new classrooms, core facilities, including a library, canteen and multipurpose hall, a new agricultural and environment centre, sports fields and sports courts, as well as a new Indigenous Cultural Centre. The project will also provide upgrades to the school’s agricultural grounds located in Purcell Avenue.”
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