The discovery of lead paint and asbestos forced the school to shut down last month, highlighted the appalling state of many aged classrooms and facilities. 

Despite renewed calls to rebuild the school, the only works so far announced have been asbestos removal and a fresh coat of paint. 

Much of the area remained taped off yesterday as workers clad in white suits and masks chipped loose paint off classroom walls. 

“They’re focusing on student areas and they expect to have fresh paint over the top by the end of the school holidays,” principal Rosalie Moorfield said.

“We’ve had some Department of Education representatives down talking about what they can do to make things more comfortable for the students.”

Options include potentially knocking down decaying parts of the school, including a sick bay that has been closed for years because of rising damp. 

Ironically, the extent of the problem has made the school ineligible for new funding because it was “over entitled” in terms of buildings and space. 

Education Minister Martin Dixon has also ended speculation the government might move to close the school, promising it will remain open. 

Meanwhile, federal Wannon MP Dan Tehan has called on the Victorian government to be clear about its plans for Timboon P-12. 

While Mr Tehan stopped short of criticising his state Coalition counterparts on their handling of the matter, he said the Education Department and WorkSafe Victoria needed to keep parents and students up to speed on repair plans. 

“I have asked the Education Department to keep the community fully informed about plans at the school,” Mr Tehan said. 

The MP said he would meet with the school council on Sunday to discuss issues around the closure. 

“My view is that (they) have put forward a compelling case for the financial needs of the school and I want to offer my support to the community,” he said.

He described school principal Rosalie Moorfield’s campaigning efforts as “commendable”. 

s.mccomish@fairfaxmedia.com.au