Glenunga International High School kept families in the dark about alleged threats, parent claims

A mum has spoken out about being kept in the dark by a high school that was threatened by a ‘master hacker’.

• Security measures at Glenunga High School

A top high school that received escalating threats, allegedly from a master hacker, ran US-style classroom shooter “invacuation” drills for students while telling families “not to trust what you read in the media”, a parent says.

The woman has criticised Glenunga International High School for “glossing over” security concerns, leaving families “in the dark” and allowing rumours and fear to spread.

She said the school had prioritised its “tightly-guarded reputation” over being honest with, and safeguarding the wellbeing of, its community.

“We had a few emails about bollards being erected for ‘traffic flow’, then I heard about ‘invacuations’ where the kids practice hiding in case of an emergency,” she said.

“At the beginning of the year, we were sent a vague email about threats to the school with no further information, and rumours began spreading.

“When the school told me ‘not to trust what you read in the media’ I got more concerned … this was the same day The Advertiser article (about the alleged hacker’s arrest) came out.

Extra security around Glenunga International High School, including bollards. Picture: RoyVPhotography

“The parents shown on (TV news reports) are just a small snapshot of the fear and disappointment of the community.”

A man, whose identity is suppressed, has yet to plead to two counts of blackmail and one count of making it appear food had been contaminated.

SA Police have alleged he is a master hacker who sought to blackmail Glenunga into “systemic change” through emailed threats, which were also sent to The Advertiser.

They alleged his threats included bombs, knives, car attacks and boiling a student in oil, and escalated to poisoning food and attacking Jewish people, Gather Round and the Fringe.

On Wednesday, the parent said she was unsurprised families had been “kept in the dark” about the situation.

“Glenunga has a tightly-guarded reputation that dominates the discourse, and communication (with parents) is skewed towards the good news stories,” she said.

“It is obviously a major concern that an international school with a diverse population could easily gloss over something so disturbing.

“The danger felt magnified as we are an international school during a time of global conflict.”

In a letter sent to parents and seen by The Advertiser, the school says it is closely following police advice.

“Along with our regular lockdown and evacuation drills, visitor screening, and site security, you may also notice more security patrols and changes to traffic arrangements around the school,” it says.

In a second email, it says families should not “be unsettled” by the bollards.

“Please understand there is no change in the unpleasant emails or the level of concern,” they say.

“Please emphasise business as usual and help your young person navigate the ambiguities of contemporary life.

“There is no need for any students to be kept home because of safety concerns.

“If there were these concerns, we would be handling the situation differently.”

In March, it offered an update on “police attendance”.

“Yesterday some students and families saw a police patrol who had a person lying on the grounds of our northern car park in handcuffs,” it wrote.

“Observers wondered whether it was related to our current situation at school. There was no relationship.

“Our current dilemma with the unpleasant emails continues. Our bollard placement is being negotiated and our outside camera system has been upgraded.

“We will keep you posted if anything changes.”

In a statement, the Education Department said additional security was implemented to protect the school and its community “while maintaining” normal operations.

“The safety and security of students, staff, and the entire school community are always our highest priorities,” it said.

“The Department and Glenunga International High School have been working very closely with SA Police.

“Decisions around communications were made in collaboration with SA Police at all times … families, students and staff have been offered support if they need it.”