Update on Bethlehem Catholic High School fire
Since the August 7th fire at Bethlehem Catholic High School, GSCS staff have been working with Saskatoon Fire, Saskatoon Fire and Flood, insurers, city inspectors, and a number of other people and agencies to assess damage to the school, begin cleanup of the site, and plan the beginning of the school year.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate through the process and assess what the fire means for the new school year. We recognize this is a major community tragedy that affects people throughout the community and city, not only staff and students at the school.
We are grateful for the quick response by Saskatoon Fire and other emergency services. We are thankful no one was hurt.
On August 10, Saskatoon Police Service determined the fire as suspicious, and an arson investigation is underway.
Teachers will start work at the school August 25, as planned, and school will start September 2 as planned. There will be some changes to academic scheduling because of the loss of learning spaces. Details will be communicated directly with students and families.
The four portable classrooms that were under construction are a total loss. The 22 existing portable classrooms have sustained fire, water and smoke damage and are unavailable for use as of the writing of this message.
The main building has water and smoke damage. Since Saturday, August 8, when we have been given access to the main building from Saskatoon Fire, crews have been working around the clock to clean up the building and get it ready for staff and students.
Again, we’re grateful for the quick response to extinguish the fire. After being given access to the school, we recognize that the outcome could be much worse than it is.
While clean-up and investigations continue, our priorities are expanding from initial emergency response to planning the academic year. We’re going to do our best to make it as normal a first day as possible.
Whether it’s a Grade 9 student on their first day of high school, or a Grade 12 hoping for a great final year, Bethlehem is still going to be a community that learns together, plays together, has a variety of events together, and prays together.
