David Jallah (15) of Ellenbrook, Barbara Goodnough of Ellenbrook (EA at Ellenbrook Secondary College) and Sarah McArthur (15) of Aveley. Pic: David Baylis d447765c
Camera IconDavid Jallah (15) of Ellenbrook, Barbara Goodnough of Ellenbrook (EA at Ellenbrook Secondary College) and Sarah McArthur (15) of Aveley. Pic: David Baylis d447765c Credit: Supplied/Supplied

All hands on deck after Ellenbrook fire

Joel KellyThe Advocate

DESIGN and technology students from Ellenbrook Secondary College have helped a teacher’s aide rebuild the deck she lost in the Ellenbrook fire last November.

Barbara Goodnough, an education assistant at the local high school for the past three years, lives in one of the Charlottes Vista properties damaged by the blaze.

Ms Goodnough and her family had their jarrah deck destroyed, along with the toys and cubbyhouse in their back yard.

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The family’s insurance had lapsed and the items were unable to be claimed.

But word got around about the Goodnough’s tough luck and soon college trades teacher Jeff Imrie was rallying his students to lend a hand.

Mr Imrie said he had no shortage of volunteers and last Tuesday, 12 dedicated design and technology students were making easy work of reconstructing the deck.

They used timber supplies donated by a local builder, along with other supplies from the school.

Mr Imrie said the project not only helped someone in need but gave the students good practical experience and some volunteer work to put on their resume.

Ms Goodnough said she was blown away by the generosity of the school and local community.

One of those eager to help was 15-year-old design and technology student Sarah McArthur, who is training to enter a plumbing apprenticeship.

Sarah said Ms Goodnough was a respected teacher.

“When I heard she had a fire nearly at her back door, I really wanted to help out,” she said.

The college’s design and technology department has been going from strength to strength.

A recent partnership with a building and construction business is firming up job prospects for vocational education and training students.