Students at Bethlehem Catholic High School are returning to class this Wednesday following a fire that occurred last month. The school day has been halved for most students due to the destruction of twenty-six portable classrooms in the August 7 blaze. Nearly 800 students, including Kyson Kenny, a Grade 11 student, have been displaced by the fire.
Kenny described his shock upon seeing videos of the flames sent to him while he was away, stating that witnessing the aftermath in person was surreal. The origin of the fire is under investigation for possible arson, although no charges have been filed as of Tuesday.
The school has implemented a split-schedule system where Grades 9 and 10 have morning classes, while Grades 11 and 12 take over the classrooms in the afternoon. The remaining half of the day is dedicated to tutorials, which are not mandatory for all students. Some students expressed concerns that the shortened classes could lead to more homework.
Superintendent Tom Hickey acknowledged the emotional toll the fire has taken on students and staff, with some teachers escorted by firefighters to retrieve personal belongings post-blaze. The timeline for rebuilding the classrooms remains uncertain, pending decisions involving structural engineers, insurers, and the school division.
The possibility of continuing the split schedule for the entire semester is being considered until more space becomes available. Hickey emphasized the need for flexibility, indicating that a return to a regular schedule could occur if additional classrooms become accessible at any point during the year.
