Images: Trim Photography and SAPOL
It was back in 2022 when flames engulfed the heritage building, deeply affecting students, staff and the wider Kapunda community.
Now, after years of rebuilding, Eringa has been restored and is once again part of everyday school life.
Kapunda High School principal Paula Hill said the building holds generations of stories and memories.
“Eringa had been part of the everyday life of the school for generations, and its loss was felt very personally by many people,” Paula said.
Following the fire, the school faced a challenging period as staff and students adapted to temporary spaces while rebuilding took place around them.
“Staff and students adapted, the community rallied around the school, and learning and school life continued despite some very difficult circumstances.”
Eringa previously housed classrooms and a library before becoming the school’s administration building in 2010.
“I think that is why people have such a strong emotional connection to it,” Paula said.
“When we opened Eringa to the community following the official ceremony, it was wonderful to watch people walk back through those doors and hear them sharing their memories with one another.”
Great care was taken throughout the restoration to preserve as much of Eringa’s history and character as possible.
Original tiles surrounding the fireplaces were retained where possible, while sections of historic tiling have deliberately been left exposed. Bricks from the original chimneys were also reclaimed and reused, while historical items including a safe salvaged after the fire were preserved.
“Having watched the final stages of the restoration and knowing what the school community had been through to reach that point, there was a real sense that something important was being returned.”
The restoration formed part of a wider $23 million redevelopment at Kapunda High School, which also delivered a new learning centre to replace facilities lost in the fire.
The design of the restoration and new building was completed by Grieve Gillett Architects.
Images Trim Photography
Today, Eringa has returned to its role as the school’s main administration building, with staff working from the building and students and families visiting for administrative and support needs.
The restoration has also brought new additions including improved accessibility, a lift and staff facilities, alongside a dedicated museum space preserving Eringa’s story.
Developed by members of the school’s administration team, the museum brings together photographs donated by the community, books and historical objects connected to Eringa. The collection includes the safe recovered after the fire, original doors and an oven, along with pieces that have since been returned or donated to the school.
“Eringa has stood for 150 years and connects generations of people with this place,” Paula said.
“I hope our young people understand and appreciate the history they are now part of, but I also want Eringa to be a place that belongs to them.
“Our current students are now part of its next chapter, and they will create their own memories and stories here. That’s what I think is so special about its restoration.”
Images Trim Photography
While the completed building was handed back to Kapunda High School on June 11 and began operating the following day, its official opening on September 10 marked the formal celebration of its restoration and welcomed the wider community back inside.
“My hope is that generations of students to come will continue to walk through its doors and feel that same connection to their school and their community.”
For more, head to https://kapundahs.sa.edu.au/
