St. Michael Catholic School is set to reopen for students in the new school year and CTV got a preview of the fully restored facility.
Almost exactly one year ago on Aug. 19, 2010, a fire broke out at the school on McElderry Road after roofing tar burst into flames while contractors worked. It spread quickly from the ground to the roof.
It left significant damage from smoke and water behind, and 450 students and staff without a place to learn or teach.
Now, after approximately $4 million in restoration costs and upgrades, student voices will soon be ringing through the hallways again.
Student Dianne Priamo smiles when she sees the renovated space for the first time, "Different colours but it's the same school…it brings back lots of memories."
The youngest of five siblings, all the other children in her family have graduated from St. Michael.
"I'm really excited because our school will finally be together again in one building and we'll be more like a family," she says.
While the fire caused $2.5 million in damage, the Wellington Catholic District School Board took the opportunity to make additional upgrades.
Insurance will cover at least half of the $4 million spent in total, but details are still being finalized on how much of the cost the board will have to cover.
The school now has a brand new roof, new paint, desks, chairs and upgrades like a drop down stage.
Rae Walton with the Wellington Catholic District School Board says "We basically had this school, I wouldn't say gutted, but we've taken it right back to the block and steel."
The company working on the roof when the fire broke out, William Green Roofing Limited, didn't return CTV's requests for comment.
No legal action has been taken, but the Ministry of Labour investigated and ordered fire extinguisher training for all employees who may be required to use one.
