By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG Primary School students are getting back into action, thanks to sporting equipment donations.
A fire lit in the school hall on 3 January destroyed the gymnasium and physical education (PE) supplies.
PE teacher Kane Douglas-Sonnett said that donations had flowed in through VicSport, from Football Federation Victoria, Netball Victoria, Cricket Victoria and Melbourne Storm.
He said Rosewood Downs Primary School, parents and volunteers had also lent a hand.
“Virtually, we had no equipment. The fire took out all of our equipment,” he said.
“It wiped out the gym. We can’t use the gym at all. If it’s raining, it’s a bit of a downer.
“The sporting community has donated so much to us and helped out.
“They’ve been so supportive. The kids are appreciating it – teachers, everyone.”
Mr Douglas-Sonnett said the gym was due to re-open by the end of July.
“We have almost 400 kids at our school, so we have a lot of stuff to get still,” he said.
“We’re going to get it back on insurance, but that will take time as well.”
He said the school’s disadvantaged students turned to PE as an outlet.
“Without PE they’re in the classroom all day,” he said.
“Some kids don’t look forward to anything else but PE.”
Football Federation Victoria CEO Peter Gome said he knew how devastating the fire was for the school community.
“When we got the call for help from our friends at VicSport, we didn’t think twice about donating new football equipment to the school,” he said.
“It’s just fabulous seeing the kids kicking a round ball again. Seeing their smiling faces is what it’s all about.
“Sport has always had the power to unite, and this is a terrific example of what can be achieved from everyone working together for such a great cause.”
