Dear parents and carers,

In 2017 the ACT Government commenced an audit of Government owned buildings for cladding materials consisting of either Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) or Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).

At NPS, this is limited to 2 panels on the hall.

Both of these cladding types are potentially combustible and, in the case of a fire, can increase the likelihood of a fire spreading more quickly. I have included a fact sheet for more information about potentially combustible cladding and its associated risks.

The audit was conducted by a team from Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) who undertook visual assessments of government owned buildings and found that some buildings may have potentially combustible ACP or EPS, including a number of ACT public schools.

Experts from the Environment, Planning, Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) have assessed that all of these buildings are safe to occupy.

Our school building has been found to contain some Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP).

It is important to note that the presence of ACP cladding does not necessarily mean that there is an increased fire risk to your school community.

There are four types of ACP and a more comprehensive assessment is required to determine which type our school has. This work will soon be undertaken by qualified Fire Engineers to assess the fire risk these materials may pose.

As the comprehensive assessment is undertaken, we will be advised of the type and location of the potentially combustible cladding and we will work with the assessment team on plans to mitigate any risk through management strategies or removal of the material.   

The safety of our students and staff is paramount and this work is being prioritised. General information about cladding in schools will be available on the Education Directorate website later this week.

Kind regards,

Rebecca Turner

PRINCIPAL
NGUNNAWAL PRIMARY SCHOOL