It’s been a week since fire destroyed three portable classrooms at Ecole Stanley Knowles and now that kids are back in school, teachers are being forced to take on a few more students this year.
"Some spaces need to be shared more than others and we’re changing the geography a little bit, but the great programming for the kids is still going to be the great quality we’re used to providing," said Principal John Drzystek.
He says the school’s music and french program, and nursery will now continue running from inside the school.
Instruments, books and supplies have also been donated from other schools to replace those lost in the fire.
The area was cleaned up just in time for the first day of school and Drzystek says there are plans to rebuild the portables one day.
"Nothing has been set but some discussions have happened," he said.
Parents like Krisane Campbell hopes the school will rebuild soon. Her daughter is starting preschool this year.
"It’s not fair for the teachers that have to deal with overcrowding because how do they give their students the attention they’re going to need?" said Campbell.
Drzystek says meetings are being planned with the Winnipeg School Division to discuss the next step.
In the meantime, he says the school is dealing with another issue.
Construction around the school and along Inkster Boulevard is causing traffic headaches for parents during drop off.
Staff say it would help if kids walked to school whenever possible.
"I’ve gone from class to class with older students to talk to their parents and please tell them from tomorrow on could mom and dad drop their kids off 2 blocks from the school.. and it will ease congestion." said Drzystek.
Winnipeg Police are still investigating what caused the fire at Ecole Stanley Knowles. Arson is suspected but no arrests have been made.
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