Victorian Bushfires

The recent bush fires in Victoria, the worst in five years since Black Friday, have impacted upon the communities of both Assumption College, Kilmore and Lavalla Catholic College, Traralgon. 

A fierce grass fire swept through Kilmore on Sunday causing the evacuation of the boarding house.  Seventy-five boarders and staff were bussed to Seymour and spent the night at the clubrooms of the Seymour sports ground. On Monday, it was decided to close the school and the boarders were sent home. The situation is still serious and the school remains closed. Whilst the College has not been impacted upon by the fire, it is within a few kilometres of the property. With the majority of staff and students coming from surrounding areas and with many roads closed, the school will remain closed until it is deemed safe for it to be reopened.

Lavalla Catholic College in the Latrobe Valley has also been affected by bushfires in the area with many roads closed and access for both staff and students limited. As a result classes were suspended on Monday, however the College remains open for those who are able to access the school.  As members of the Australian Marist Community, we assure both Michael Kenny, Principal of Assumption and John Freeman, in his first weeks as Principal of Lavalla and their respective communities our prayers and best wishes at this very difficult time.