Grace and good sense in the thick of it

24 January 2011

No swim zone ... the pool at Graceville State School

By Rick Morton

Amid the muted grey left behind by the floodwater sludge, a patch of colour and hope has sprung up at Graceville State School where the community has rallied.

Parents from the school leapt into action as the flood engulfed the surrounding neighbourhood, establishing a volunteer hub and information centre at the school which remained relatively damage-free.

'The whole community went under in the flood and we felt we needed to do something, anything,' said parent Dave Whitefield.

'We started a volunteer service through these gates which matched those who could help with those who needed the help.

'The response was incredible and we had over 1000 people show up over the Saturday and Sunday - the response from the community, even those who don't have children at the school, was incredible.'

Principal Ian Hall opened up the school to anybody who needed it, whether it be to charge a phone, wash the mud off or simply if they needed to talk.

'The staff has been absolutely fantastic and I have had two of the teacher aides Anne and Amanda by my side every day since the flood came,' he said.

'If there is one silver lining in this moment it is the way the community rallied together, particularly to the parents who have demonstrated to their kids what to do when the wheels fall off.

'That's a fantastic message for our kids, you band together no matter what.'

Dave and Kathy Whitefield were still in the thick of it when Education Views spoke to them on Monday.

'We just answered the first basic question anyone asks when people are down, "what can we do?" and that has seen us through,' said Kathy.

'The school has been absolutely fantastic as we have been able to provide information and volunteers to keep this community on its feet.'