Arsonists have targeted a special education school north-east of Melbourne, leaving its staff and students heartbroken.
The horticulture shed at Heatherwood School in Donvale was torched after 9.30pm yesterday and all its contents were destroyed.
A 19-year-old from Wodonga and a 20-year-old man from Mitcham were arrested at the scene and were released with charge.
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“There’s a lot of very upset families and angry children,” parent Annie Basel told 9News.
“It’s upsetting for me, other students and teachers because I really like horticulture and it’s really fun to learn about gardening,” year nine student Tamika Sadler said.
School property was also vandalised.
Principal Paul Hills told parents graffiti was painting on buildings, vehicles and signs.
He said support will be offered to any student impacted.
“Counselling will be offered like last time because our children have the big feelings and we need support with that,” Basel said.
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It’s the second time the school has been targeted in just over a year.
Classrooms, including the drama and art studio, were gutted by a fire in August last year.
“Why would you do this to a community and to a school that do so much, to these kids that need additional needs?,” parent Jennifer Sadler said.
The school has sent photos of the damage to parents today to reduce the shock for students on Monday morning.
The education department confirmed classes will be able to run as normal.
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