St Dominic’s Roman Catholic primary school, which was destroyed when a flash flood contaminated the entire infant building with sewage, has finally been re-opened after a revamp costing hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Hackney Gazette: Rebuilt classrooms at the school after the floodRebuilt classrooms at the school after the flood (Image: Archant)

The London Fire Brigade had to ferry children across the playground to safety, as water was up to knee height in the school after a 20-minute heavy downpour on September 19.

The kitchen, both halls, storage areas, two reception classrooms, the main office and the head teacher’s office at the school in Balance Road, Homerton were all ruined.

Blocked drains meant that sewage water added to the rain water coming in through the roof and doors Into the school, which is constructed sunken down below the road surface, and the school was shut for a whole week.

Major disruption ensued and for the past six months children have been taught in portakabins in the playground while the whole building - including the floors and walls - were gutted and de-contaminated.

But a special celebratory mass led by the two parish priests, Father Tony Doyle and Father Neil Hannigan from The Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Dominic’s and St Jude’s respectively, was held last Wednesday to celebrate the opening of the new classrooms, offices and halls.

Headteacher Ms Deirdre Finan said: It was a very special and joyous occasion for the children and school community.

“It’s hard to believe the flood caused so much damage in so little time.

We would like to thank the parents and friends of all the pupils who have been so understanding during the rebuilding works.

“We are absolutely delighted with the new facilities at St Dominic’s, and we look forward to educating a new generation of pupils in our lovely new building.”