ST RUMON?S School in Tavistock is expected to re-open on Monday after the half-term break, following its temporary closure two weeks ago when part of its hall ceiling collapsed. The accident led to 100 primary pupils having to be transferred to the neighbouring St Peter?s School as repairs were carried out. The incident happened on a Friday evening during a cheese and wine event for the school?s Parent Teachers? Association. A hole appeared in the new ceiling, broken tiles were strewn on the floor and there was a lot of dust. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the meeting carried on elsewhere in the hall. The Victorian building of the 150-pupil school has been recently updated and extended but part of the original wooden ceiling was believed to have crumbled away to fall onto the new suspended ceiling which itself had recently been installed in the summer. James McQueen, chairman of the school?s governors, was there at the time, and confirmed the accident had caused a substantial hole. ?It is an old building and these things do happen. The main thing was that no one was injured. More importantly, because of the great help and hospitality of St Peter?s School the children only missed out on one day of their education.? He thanked the headmaster of St Peter?s, John George, and his staff and pupils for hosting St Rumon?s 100 pupils along with their teachers last week. ?Our children had a great time after being looked after so well by the older pupils at St Peter?s,? said Mr McQueen. David Hutchins, for Devon County Council, added that although the accident resulted in minor damage, immediate precautions were taken to ensure the pupils and staff absolute safety. ?The children were sent home on the Monday and for the Tuesday headteacher Clare Wesson had arranged for the children, accompanied by their teachers, to be temporarily taken to St Peter?s School to continue their classes. ?As a local education authority it demonstrates the close co-operation between the schools in our area.? The county council carried out a safety inspection last week and the school remained closed while the damage was repaired.
