Students from neighbouring Adelaide CBD private schools disciplined over ‘poor conduct’

Students from two neighbouring private schools have been disciplined after an incident that allegedly involved pushing and shoving between young people of the opposite sex.

Male and female students from neighbouring city private schools have been disciplined after a fight allegedly erupted in Adelaide’s busiest retail strip.

The Advertiser understands that a group of students from Christian Brothers College and St Aloysius College, located a few hundred metres from each other in the Adelaide CBD, were involved in a physical altercation in Rundle Mall earlier this week.

The encounter allegedly involved pushing and shoving between the students.

Students of the Christian Brothers College boys’ school were allegedly involved in an altercation with students of the nearby all-female St Aloysius College. Picture: Matt Loxton

The two single-sex colleges are both located on Wakefield St and often co-host social gatherings and events.

Christian Brothers College principal David Johnston confirmed that an incident involving “inappropriate interactions” and “poor conduct” had taken place but that police were not involved.

“CBC and SAC have been collaboratively addressing the situation, and the students involved have been fully cooperative throughout the process,” Mr Johnston said.

“Both schools are committed to ensuring the wellbeing of all students and fostering a safe and respectful environment.

“We want to respect the privacy of the students involved and allow both schools to continue their internal processes.”

St Aloysius College did not respond to a request for comment.

St Aloysius College on Wakefield Street, Adelaide. Picture: Supplied

Over the past week, a number of other South Australian private schools have been forced to deal with incidents of poor behaviour from students.

On Wednesday, The Advertiser reported that footballers at Pembroke School circulated a list of supposedly fineable offences among each other, which included derogatory references to women such as “kissing a whale” and “having sloppy seconds”.

The school has not revealed what disciplinary actions if any have been taken, but principal Mark Staker said the situation was being managed “in a way where dignity, support and fairness are extended to all”.

Then on Thursday, two students at Blackfriars Priory School in Prospect were expelled after a group of football players set fire to a CBC sports jacket following an Intercol match.

Several others were also suspended and principal David Ruggiero said the school “acted swiftly and decisively” upon being informed.

The series of events led Greens MLC Robert Simms to propose a bill that would require private schools to publicly disclose “information on behavioural issues, suspensions and expulsions within their annual reports”.

“Such reporting requirements would place pressure on private schools to tackle any cultural problems head on,” Mr Simms said.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said the state government would consider the bill before revealing its position.