The reopening of Bendals Primary School has been pushed back to next Monday, February 2, to allow for additional cleaning and recovery work following a fire at the institution early Sunday morning.

The early-morning blaze destroyed the school’s administration building, which housed important documents, printers and other critical equipment used in the day-to-day operations of the school. The loss has significantly disrupted preparations for the resumption of classes.

Classes were originally scheduled to resume on Wednesday. However, up to Tuesday afternoon, teachers and staff, along with officials from the Board of Education, were still on site removing fire-damaged materials to facilitate thorough cleaning and restoration of the affected areas.

Education officials say the delay is necessary to ensure the school environment is safe and properly prepared for the return of students and teachers.