The Department of Education released a heated statement on Tannum Sands State High School’s scavenger hunt

Students at a Gladstone region high school had some apologising and explaining to do after a scavenger hunt turned chaotic on the weekend, with the theft of signs and damage to property. Read more here:

The Department of Education has slammed a Gladstone region’s Year 12 graduates for their “inappropriate and unsafe” behaviour during an annual scavenger hunt.

Last weekend Tannum Sands State High School graduates, along with former students and students from other schools caused havoc on the small beachside community where they are educated.

There were reports of stolen and damaged property including broken car windows and real estate signs found strewn along paths, kilometres from where they previously stood, household bins moved into the middle of roadways and cling-wrap stretched across intersections.

Tannum Sands State High School released a statement from the students who they said “chose to be involved” in the scavenger hunt.

“We take accountability for our actions and are taking steps to responsibly rectify any damage that was caused as a result, both physical and to our reputation,” the statement read.

“We are endeavouring to partake in an emu parade at the Tannum Sands Esplanade and at our school grounds to ensure that our beautiful environment is not affected.

“Furthermore, we are setting up a good faith box in the administration building so we can each donate money to give to the real estate agencies that were impacted by stolen and damaged signs.

“Although as members of our graduating class of 2021 we chose to be involved in the scavenger hunt, it mustn’t be overlooked that there was wider involvement.”

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The students said there were multiple parties involved, such as teenagers from other schools, past students from Tannum High, people from other age groups and some members currently working.

“We agree that as a result of this, the scavenger hunt got bigger than ever intended and we seek to make sure that there is no repetition of this behaviour in the future,” the statement said.

“Our good intentions have been clouded by bad decisions and by taking responsibility both individually and as a group we sincerely hope our community can forgive us for any damage and celebrate all that we have achieved over the next week.

“Years of hard work and dedication to our studies is drawing to a close and we do not want our teachers and our wider community to overlook that as a result of last weekend’s events.

“We are proud to be graduating from Tannum Sands State High School and upon careful reflection we apologise for any reckless behaviour that ensued on the 13th of November.”

The Department of Education said it was aware of a number of inappropriate and unsafe activities undertaken in the community by some students enrolled at Tannum Sands State High School within the community over the weekend.

“The activity was not associated with the school,” the statement read.

“The school has provided a forum for students who chose to be involved in these activities to come forward and take responsibility for their actions and rectify any damage caused.

“The incident is still currently being reviewed by the school leadership team and additional disciplinary consequences may be applied to individuals in line with the school’s Student Code of Conduct.

“No further information can be given for student privacy reasons.”

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said they were aware of a scavenger hunt initiated by graduating students from schools in the Tannum Sands area.

“This is not isolated to one school and has become an annual event,” the spokesman said.

“Tannum Sands Police received several complaints over the weekend commencing November 13, concerning the conduct of these students. These related mainly to public nuisance behaviour and traffic offences.

“Police received complaints regarding the egging of cars, disruption in the local shopping centre and other unruly behaviour.

“Police are investigating several of these complaints and reiterate that unlawful behaviour by scavenger hunt participants will not be tolerated.

“If anyone has information, they are urged to contact Crimestoppers or Tannum Sands Police Station.”