Pupils at an Auckland school have had a rough start to the term after their classroom was destroyed by a fire on Sunday night.
Now fire fighters believe it may have been deliberately lit.
Students told Newshub they're missing their artwork and pencil cases after a wall of fire decimated a beloved Year 6 classroom at Pakuranga Heights School was destroyed.
Fire fighters worked desperately to save the building. As the flames died down, the air filled with thick smoke.
A charred and blackened building makes for an unsettling sight for the students, who had expected to return to their classroom today.
"Everyone is feeling pretty sad that all of their stuff might have been gone," said Year 6 student Quentin Vuletich.
Students say they're missing their pencil cases, stationery and artwork.
Fire fighters believe the fire was deliberately lit, but investigations are on-going and investigators have been here looking over the charred building. It's believed the fire was started on the classroom's veranda.
A review of CCTV footage hasn't revealed any clues.
"School has just come back and it's every school's worst nightmare," said deputy principal Sue Kandasamy.
Kandasamy says the response from the children has shown her how resilient they are.
"The parents and the staff were really upset but the kids looked around and they realised it could have been a lot worse," she told Newshub.
The building will be pulled down by the end of the week. Until then classes for these students will be held in the school hall and library.
Newshub.
