Students return safely to Mypolonga Primary School, flood or no flood

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As school restarts for 2023, a reinforced flood levee has ensured that it’s business – almost – as usual at Mypolonga Primary School.

Principal Sunyl Vogt spent much of his recent holidays monitoring water levels near his school and worrying about what-ifs.

“I was on tenterhooks, but we were fortunate that the water didn’t rise until after school finished last year,” he said.

“Over the holidays, the levee was reinforced with limestone because the wind was battering it at that time.”

Thanks to the levee, along with other measures, the school remains safe for children and staff alike.

“Last week, we had a security fence installed to cut off a third of the oval in case of a levee breach,” Mr Vogt said.

“The fence is to protect the kids from investigating and accessing the water, and we also have a protective barrier in case of a levee breach.”

Since Mypolonga Primary restarted on Monday, the principal’s biggest concern has been the congested traffic at pick-up and drop-off times – a result of road closures due to the floods.

Mr Vogt expressed his gratitude to the local government, State Emergency Service and other emergency services who have been working hard to ensure the school’s and community’s safety.

“Without the levee, we wouldn’t have started on time, and the floodwater would have covered a good third to half of our oval,” Mr Vogt said.

“Everyone’s really grateful we were able to start on schedule this year.

“The thought of online learning or relocating was something people were worried about.”

According to Mr Vogt, the school restarting on time has given the Mypo community some regularity, which is important when the anxiety levels have risen along with the water levels.

“We have 15 brand-new reception students, and the regular routine is important, particularly for the new students,” he said.

Mr Vogt said that with 139 enrolments this year, the school was at capacity but still at a comfortable number.