Bellarine Secondary College principal Wayne Johannesen addresses recent assaults involving students

The principal at Bellarine Secondary College has finally addressed parents after a group of his students were allegedly involved in a vicious attack. Here is what he had to say.

There has been a series of recent issues involving students from Bellarine Secondary College’s senior campus in Drysdale. Picture: Mark Wilson.

The principal of Bellarine Secondary College has moved to reassure concerned parents that the school is safe following at least two recent assaults involving students at its senior campus in Drysdale.

Wayne Johannesen sent the email to parents on Wednesday afternoon – more than a week after the alleged January 27 assault and only after the Geelong Advertiser put questions to the Education Department.

The email also addressed a second alleged assault from January 31.

It comes as the department refuses to answer what, if any, action had been taken against those involved in the two incidents.

While occurring prior to school returning for the year, footage of the first incident was captured on multiple mobile phones and involved female students attacking a girl in Portarlington.

A police spokeswoman said on Thursday a formal complaint had not been made and no action would be taken at this time.

The second incident allegedly involved one boy attacking another on the first day students returned to class.

In his email, Mr Johannesen said the two incidents involved a “very small number” of its more than 1200 students.

“Clearly both incidents are of concern and display behaviour which is unacceptable to both the college and our broader community and contrary to our college values,” he said.

“Please be reassured that we are addressing both of these matters.”

Mr Johannesen said the safety of students and staff was his top priority and the matters were being taken “very seriously”.

“Any form of violence within our school community is entirely unacceptable,” he said.

“These incidents do not reflect the safe and supportive culture at our school or the behaviour of the vast majority of our students.

“Such incidents are very rare within our school community and one of the incidents occurred off-site on a public holiday.”

Bellarine Secondary College principal Wayne Johannesen. Picture: Mike Dugdale.

Mr Johannesen signed off by saying the school’s leadership would continue to ensure students understood that “appropriate means” must be used to resolve conflicts.

“The college is activating appropriate measures in accordance with our school’s student wellbeing and engagement policy, and is working closely with students, their families/carers and relevant authorities to ensure all issues are resolved,” he said.

“I want to reassure you that our school is both safe and committed to providing a safe and supportive culture, and wellbeing supports have been made available to impacted students.”

Some concerned parents remain unconvinced, however.

One mum said the violence was nothing new and the school’s leadership needed an overhaul.

“Something needs to change at that school before there is a terrible tragedy,” she said.

Originally published as Bellarine Secondary College principal Wayne Johannesen addresses recent assaults involving students