Parents and children in Victoria’s north are “devastated” after a private school shockingly announced it will be closing its doors on Friday.
Families were notified via email late on Wednesday that the Colmont School in Kilmore had been placed into administration, giving most parents just two days to find a new school for their kids.
Children in Years 3 to 10 will finish on Friday, while the school will try to stay open a little longer for Year 11 to 12 students undertaking the International Baccalaureate.
Affected parents anticipated this endeavour will likely only last for a few weeks though.
The school’s board decided to enter into administration on Tuesday.
“The administrators will decide about how long the school and school boarding premises will continue to operate. When they have made this decision, they will tell you,” the email to parents on Wednesday night read.
“We understand that this will be unexpected and distressing news for your family.”
The stunning news come after the school only changed its name from “The Kilmore International School” to “Colmont School” at the start of this month.
Parents and members of the Kilmore community have been left shocked and saddened by the unexpected news.
“Devastated tonight to learn that my kid’s school has gone into administration and that it will close in 2 days,” one emotional parent posted.
“WTF are we meant to do now? The school was working out so amazing for both of them. It’s going to be a tough few days!”
A meeting was held for parents on Wednesday, though many were unable to attend due to a lack of communication.
Another meeting for parents, students and staff will be held at 6:30pm on Thursday.
The news reached the ears of Premier Daniel Andrews though, who addressed the shocking announcement during his press conference on Thursday.
He said while the government’s scope to help was limited because Colmont was a private school, they would help out where they could.
“But if there’s anything we can do to support those parents … we‘re ready and willing,” Mr Andrews said.
The Department of Education and Training has also committed to helping out the affected parents and children.
“On Tuesday 26 July the Board of The Colmont School (formerly Kilmore International School) made a decision to appoint an administrator, who is now responsible for running the school,” a DET spokesperson told NCA NewsWire.
“The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) is working with the DET in partnership with Independent Schools Victoria, to ensure a coordinated approach to contingency planning for students affected by this decision and the department and the VRQA will provide information to families about alternative schools.
“Every Victorian child has the right to enrol at their designated local government school, or at another government school of their choice provided it has sufficient space to accommodate them.”
Schools in the local areas have already sent the message out to affected parents about enrolling.
Assumption College staff will be available throughout the day and the school will stay open late on Thursday for anyone interested in enrolling.
Senior staff will be there until 8pm, while the primary school will be offering a similar opportunity until 6pm.
St Patrick‘s Primary School similarly encouraged anyone from Colmont who was considering enrolling to visit the school’s website and enrolment page.
Originally published as Colmont School closing on Friday after entering administration
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