Kia ora e te whanau
In a sombre turn of events last week, we faced a daunting flooding crisis, evoking memories of a similar situation in February 2020. While the flooding brought about hardship this time much worse than 2020 with water covering almost the entirety of the ground floor, there was a heartwarming display of unity and support from our community and the wider Diocesan network. The decision to send students home early last Thursday morning was made in anticipation of rising waters, as meteorological forecasts painted a concerning picture. The impending threat of flooding prompted a proactive response from the staff and students. Thank you to all of you for ensuring your child made it home safely as almost all students were collected and home warm and dry by 12pm that day.
Throughout the day, dedicated individuals rallied to protect our beloved school. As the clock neared 1:15 PM, water began seeping into the main hall, signalling a distressing development. Within a matter of minutes, the situation escalated further, with water infiltrating various parts of the school, including the fishbowl, staffroom, administration, and front entrance. In the face of this imminent crisis, a remarkable spirit of cooperation emerged. Staff and students worked tirelessly to remove belongings from the floors, minimizing damage to personal property. Local heroes, the Sanson family, generously delivered much-needed sandbags, while other community members like Blondell and Wallace offered their expertise in assessing electrical systems and the server room. Jones and Cooper Builders pitched in, augmenting the school's sandbagging efforts.
As the day wore on, the challenges multiplied. A discovery of sewage leakage from the gym toilets and the hostel carpark compounded the school's woes. However, our resilient community refused to be deterred. Craig Paterson, our property manager at the Diocese, reassured the school that any necessary services would be provided to mitigate the disaster. This gesture of support from the Diocese provided a glimmer of hope in the midst of adversity.
By 4:30 PM, with water levels continuing to rise, a difficult decision was made. The school conducted final checks, secured vulnerable areas, and initiated the evacuation of hostel students. Despite the circumstances, the community spirit remained undiminished as hostel students found safe refuge with their parents or at the evacuation centre at the Croydon Lodge.
While the flooding at St Peter's College is undoubtedly a source of sadness, it also highlights the resilience and unity of this faith-filled community. The silver lining in this cloud of adversity is the demonstration of unwavering support and determination that underscores the values of St Peter's College. Together, we are weathering the storm, confident in our ability to rebuild and come back even stronger. The clean up has begun and once all areas are sanitised we will welcome back onsite anyone who is able to help us next week set up for the beginning of term four.
Charity Fulfils the Law