In the wake of a devastating weekend fire that leveled Hazel Trembath Elementary School, the community of Port Coquitlam is mobilizing to provide support for the affected students and teachers. Donations of financial aid and essential school supplies are urgently being sought. The fire that has brutally decimated the elementary school was reported to have broken out at around 3 a.m. on Saturday, with investigators suspecting the act to be one of intentional arson.
A sense of collective shock and disappointment is palpable within the community, as underscored by Mayor Brad West. “Such an act is utterly reprehensible. It’s truly inconceivable how the instigators of this heinous act can still face themselves in the mirror,” a visibly shaken West commented.
For those looking to contribute, donation receptacles are conveniently placed at local community centers and city hall for the collection of school supplies. The School District 43 Foundation also jumps into action, gratefully accepting monetary donations through their online portal.
Despite the disheartening circumstances, plans are already in motion to ensure the pupils of Hazel Trembath continue their education with minimal disruption. The decision has been made to reintegrate the students intothe Winslow Centre, a former school located six kilometers away in Coquitlam, currently serving as a school district administrative facility.
A hive of activity was noticeable at the centre on Monday, with diligent district staff coordinating with dedicated work crews to expedite the facility’s reversion back into a fully equipped school. Mayor West, whose son was a Hazel Trembath student, expressed his confidence that plans will be put in place for regular bus transportation to ferry students from the razed school site to the Winslow Centre. “Given the circumstances and with the resources at hand, this solution to keep our student body intact is really laudable,” he added.
While it remains uncertain as to when the doors of Winslow Centre will open to the eager students, district officials are engrossed in endeavors to expedite their return to school. In the meantime, both Port Coquitlam Fire and Coquitlam RCMP have refrained from further discussions regarding the alleged arson.
