01 August 2025
Comet Bay College officially reopened its newly rebuilt Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) and English blocks, following a fire that severely damaged parts of the school in June 2023.
The fire, which tore through both learning areas, forced the school to close for two days and led to the temporary relocation of classes to alternative spaces across the campus.
Comet Bay College opened their new classrooms at the beginning of Term 3.
Principal Kelly Bennett said it was exciting to see students and staff move into their new modern learning spaces. She said it was a challenging chapter for in the school’s history, but it showed the perseverance, resilience and dedication of the staff and students.
“The rebuild marks not just a return to normal, but a new chapter of growth and opportunity,” Ms Bennett said.
“I’m so proud of how our staff and students stayed focused, positive and adaptable during a time of great disruption.
“Despite significant disruption, our staff maintained a strong focus on student learning and wellbeing, and our students continued to engage and thrive.”
Some of the classrooms were able to be reopened at different stages over the past two years.
The facilities include upgraded classrooms and a new staff room. The new English block features an extra classroom and an internal library space.
During construction, the school adapted conference rooms, staff rooms, the café, and auditorium into makeshift classrooms. Temporary transportable buildings were also installed along the basketball courts to ensure continuity of learning.
With support from Comet Bay Primary School, Vocational Education and Training (VET) staff and School to Employment Program (STEP) students were accommodated at a new offsite campus which fostered a great bond between the staff and students.
The fire affected 22 classrooms, two staff rooms, several offices and two bathroom blocks. Many valuable possessions, resources and exams papers were lost. Some of the classrooms were able to be reopened at different stages over the past two years.
Dozens of classrooms were impacted by a fire in 2023.
Remarkably, firefighters were able to save the school’s Australian Military History Museum and all of its irreplaceable artefacts which was in the HASS block and is incredibly important to the staff and students.
Ms Bennett said the support from their local and school community was incredible.
“From the moment the fire occurred, we received offers of assistance and donations of time and resources from neighbouring schools, local businesses, families, and community organisations,” Ms Bennett said.
“Staff rallied together to reorganise learning spaces, converting meeting rooms into classrooms utilising every available space.
“It was a true reflection of the strong community spirit that surrounds Comet Bay College.”