School keeps students safe while house burns2 min read

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Staff and students at Royal Oak Intermediate were kept calm and safe as a large house fire burned directly opposite the school on Friday, 22nd May, thanks to quick action from staff and strong support from emergency services.

With Trafalgar St and parts of Symonds St closed, students arrived using alternative routes, and following advice from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, went directly to their classrooms and stayed inside with windows and doors closed, while firefighters managed the situation outside.

“Our biggest priority as a school was ensuring that our community – both staff and students – remained safe,” says Principal, Caroline Shum.

“We also wanted to make sure students were aware of the situation while feeling reassured that they were safe at school. The wellbeing of our community was at the forefront of every decision we made.”

Established procedures helped ensure the day ran as smoothly as possible, and emergency services also remained in close contact with the school throughout the day, letting them know when it was safe to open windows, allow students back outside, and when crews expected to leave the area.

“Emergency services were fantastic throughout the day,” says Caroline.

“They kept us regularly updated and advised us on the best course of action at each stage.”

Despite the unusual circumstances, students remained calm and settled throughout the day, continuing with their learning while staff maintained a reassuring atmosphere.

“Walking through the hallways, it almost felt as though there was no commotion outside.”

The school also kept parents and whānau informed during the incident and made counselling support available for any students who needed it.

The house fire claimed the life of 70-year old Geoffrey Rollinson. Investigations into the cause of the fire are still being investigated.