The school block destroyed in a suspected arson is being demolished. Photo: Taupō-nui-a-Tia College
Students from a Taupō secondary school that lost a classroom block in a suspected arson will continue learning from home next week.
Roads around Taupō-nui-a-Tia College, on Spa Road, were closed for about four hours on Sunday while firefighters battled the blaze.
Since Monday the school's 1200 students have been doing lessons online at home.
Principal Ben Claxton said demolition of the destroyed block began on Tuesday and was continuing - meaning students couldn't yet return.
"The demolition was expected to take a while and for all sorts of health and safety reasons we've asked our students to remain home for the remainder of this week and next week, at this point.
"We're going to review it on Wednesday."
Principal Ben Claxton says students will continue to learn online into next week. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham
The destroyed classroom block had 11 teaching spaces, as well as housing the school's health and counselling services.
Police have charged two youths with arson and they were due to appear in the Taupō Youth Court this week.
Claxton said he expected online learning to ramp up next week, and the school would communicate its expectations about that.
"Learning from home is a good option to have, but nothing beats face to face, so we are literally today starting to look at what we can do for the rest of the year."
Some students and staff members were affected by what had happened and on Wednesday staff came together to share stories and plan for the future.
Although, Claxton said this week had been negotiated step by step, especially when the school was still in crisis mode.
Firefighters could be seen on the roof at Taupō-nui-a-Tia College during the fire. Photo: LES WILLS / SUPPLIED
In the short term some classes could be held in a nearby tertiary institution, which had volunteered its space. Claxton said that was getting finalised.
"The medium to long term is we're hopeful of getting some form of relocatable-classroom situation onsite, to the number that we need.
"That's all happening in the background with the ministry at the moment."
Claxton said rebuilding projects could take time to plan and then begin.
A Ministry of Education spokesperson said it was exploring a range of temporary classroom options.
"The school continues to deliver online learning while the site is cleared and the best approach is determined.
"We understand the significant impact the fire has had on staff, students, and the wider community, and we are working with urgency to make sure any disruption to teaching and learning is minimised."
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