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BUSHFIRES RAVAGE VICTORIA Christian Schools have been impacted

The full extent of the tragedy in Victoria will not be realised for some time, however as systems get back in place today is revealing on an hourly basis new information about just what occurred on the weekend. I know all schools will be praying today for the staff and families of those we know in Victoria including those schools in the fire affected areas.

The following is what we currently know about CSA and CEN schools in Victoria

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CSA Schools Affected
Flinders Christian College Traralgon
• The Gippsland area has seen 17 people confirmed dead, although this toll is expected to rise.
• As far as is known, no-one associated with the school has lost their life, although a great many families will know others who have. The school’s bus runs come through two very badly affected areas, including Churchill.
• Two school families have lost their homes and virtually everything they owned.
• Principal Jill Healey and Campus Director Sue Starling called in as many counsellors as possible and spent the morning talking and praying with students, many of whom told of smoke so thick and black that they could not see even to walk around.
• The school’s chaplain, Dean Richardson, is closely associated with ESA which has a camp in Springwood in Gippsland. The camp has been destroyed, with tragic loss of life.

Flinders Christian Community College has initiated an appeal for cash donations to provide immediate assistance to the families whose homes were lost. The details are:

Flinders Christian Community College
BSB 033179 Account no: 176647
Please indicate the deposit is for the bushfire appeal

Northside Christian College
• This school has many families who live nearby some of the badly affected areas. A board member’s home is one of only three homes left standing in Kinglake.
• So far they are not aware of any family whose homes have been lost, nor any loss of life in the immediate school community.
• Principal Stephen Leslie however believes most school families will know people who have suffered tragic loss. Students have reported driving past burnt out cars, some containing remains of those who perished. The school has been counselling and praying with students.
• However the school has close relationships with Plenty Valley Christian School, a CEN school nearby, which has suffered heavy loss.

CEN Schools Affected
Plenty Valley Christian College
Thirteen houses were confirmed lost to families of the college and a further 15 unconfirmed. The principal, Doug Peck said amazing stories of survival as well as very sad stories are emerging. Two parents from separate school families were missing as of late Monday. They returned to protect their homes after taking families to safety. It also appears that a number of past members of the community have lost their lives.

Mt Evelyn Christian School
Martin Hanscamp, principal, writes, “the MECS community is reasonably okay, though you can imagine that this catastrophe dominates our thoughts and is still affecting us. Information is a little all over the place, though it looks as though 3 community houses have been lost. We have 19 families (29 students) and 4 staff, who come from the Healesville area. A large fire is presently running there. Most of these people are unlikely to be at school. A number have left their homes to reside with others in safer zones. We are very thankful for cooler weather and for the way in which crisis brings out new forms of community and sacrifice.”

Chairo Christian School
Staff and families from all 3 campuses of Chairo had first hand accounts of falling embers and close fire damage. At the time of writing, no lives or homes have been lost. Steve McAllister (Head of Campus – Pakenham) had a very close call with his home.

Benalla Christian School
Whilst Benalla has not been immediately affected by fire, the Principal of Benalla, John Weber lives in Yackandandah (near Beechworth) which was a town under direct threat.

BUSHFIRE DISASTER RELIEF - How to Donate
Opportunities are available to support Christian schools impacted by the Victorian fires.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NATIONAL
Account Name: Christian Education National Ltd Donations Account
BSB: 062293 Account number: 10159477
(Please indicate the deposit is for the bushfire appeal)

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS AUSTRALIA
1. Flinders Christian Community College
BSB: 033179 Account no: 176647
(Please indicate the deposit is for the bushfire appeal)

2. Northside Christian College has established a fund to collect donations for those at Plenty Valley who have lost their homes. BSB: 013 243 Account: 833 020 276
(Please mark: “Bushfire”)