Students return to Kamloops elementary school following suspicious fire | CBC News
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Around 250 students returned to Westmount Elementary on Monday for the first time since last fall.
The Kamloops school was closed after a suspicious fire on the roof on Oct. 26.
Following spring break, students were able to get back into their classrooms and see the newly renovated library, which was damaged in the fire.
Principal Roy Styles said the school community has rallied around the students.
“They’ve come together, they work together, they support each other.”
Due to smoke and water damage, students from the school in Westsyde were relocated to three other schools on the north shore — George Hilliard, Kay Bingham and Parkcrest.
Styles said he knows how much students, families, and staff have missed being in their school.
“I have strong connections with a lot of the families,” he said. “So we’re looking forward to be able to connect with them because it’s hard when you don’t get to do that.”
Students are also glad to be able to return to their home school.
Grade 7 student Alexandria Bent said she was worried about whether she would get to graduate from her school because of the fire.
“I had so many emotions, like I was really happy to get back, but it was also sad because some things have changed,” she said.
Declan McGettigan, also in Grade 7, said it was a relief to return.
“It feels a lot better … It feels newish. Feels like just really good.”
RCMP continue to investigate the fire and no arrests have been made.