Australians have made a strong commitment to education, employing rich and innovative pedagogies to implement the state curricula in their classrooms. Hundreds of bushfires in Victoria, Australia have left more than 200 dead and thousands homeless. Reports indicate that at least three schools were destroyed in the fires; two in Kinglake and one in Marysville. Fifty-six others remain closed because of damage or approaching fires.

Currently the fires are still burning, fueled by record temperatures, high winds, and record drought. We have heard from many of our friends around the world who call Victoria home, about what a sad and terrible time it is there. Their strength and compassion in the shadow of such tragedy is truly admirable and reflective of the character of our global interconnectedness and community.

The team at Rubicon extends our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the students and families in Victoria and throughout Australia whose lives have been touched by these devastating fires.z