Yarrabilba State School parents petition to end bullying, violence culture

A series of violent encounters at a Logan primary has caused outraged parents to start an online petition, with allegations including details of a rock being thrown at one child’s head and another being punched in the mouth.

Parents petition to end violence at Yarrabilba State School

Reports of primary school students being hit with rocks and struck in the mouth by other bullies has lead a Logan mother to publicly slam violence at her daughter’s school.

Julianne Hayes started the petition after Yarrabilba State School contacted her about her Year 1 daughter being choked and bullied by a fellow student.

According to Ms Hayes, the school told her their policy was not to suspend anyone and other parents said they were told by the school their children were just being too sensitive.

The incident involving her daughter drove Mr Hayes to start a Change.org petition calling for support to end the “violence epidemic” at the school.

The campaign has gathered almost 300 signatures.

“She had been scratched and choked and I am now scared for my daughter’s safety at school,” Ms Hayes wrote in the petition.

“What came next was a series of poor responses … including, ‘we try not to suspend anyone, it looks bad for the school and we can’t discuss any action that may or may not have been taken’.

“It has long been public knowledge that this school has a reputation for bullying and violence and it needs to stop.”

It is the third online petition created about Yarrabilba State School.

Some signatures were teamed with comments including one from a parent who said her child was severely bullied and she could not sit idly by any longer.

“I’m signing because my daughter with disabilities was bullied by multiple children and I was made to take matters into my own hands,” she said.

“The school is showing no protection for the victims at all.”

Ms Hayes said the school’s response to her complaints about repeated bullying and violence were extremely disappointing. She said she had received numerous messages from fellow parents expressing similar sentiments.

“When I started this petition, lots of parents contacted me and I just couldn’t believe what I was reading, the desperation from parents,” she said.

“This is just the tip of the tumour that insidiously grows within the boundaries of the school, harbouring a culture of victim blaming, shaming and perpetrator protection.

“It is a complete failure of the system that claims to be the foundation of our children’s educational future.”

A bruise on a student allegedly sustained during a violent encounter at Yarrabilba State School. Picture: Supplied

One parent who wanted to remain anonymous, said they were forced to withdraw their child from the school.

“My six-year-old son has been the victim of constant attacks and bullying and I have gotten nothing from the school but cover-ups, false hope and was told my son is just too sensitive,” they said.

“We have decided to remove him from the school but I still want to see change for any future children and parents.”

The parent said their son was punched in the mouth by another student.

A student’s lip was injured when they were struck in the mouth while at school.

According to a parent, one alarming incident occurred when a boy had a rock thrown at him by a fellow classmate.

“My son had a huge rock chucked at his head and then had seizures. The school did nothing,” the parent claimed.

“I spend most times crying. I tried to change school but he doesn’t fit the catchment.”

Bruising to a Yarrabilba State School student’s head after he was hit with a rock. Picture: Supplied

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said they were aware of material circulating on social media regarding Yarrabilba State School.

“The school has investigated and taken actions consistent with its student code of conduct and the department’s policy and procedures regarding this matter,” they said.

“Allegations that could impact the Yarrabilba State School community are always treated seriously and parents can communicate directly with the school, or may choose to contact the local regional office.

“The department will always aim to respond quickly and efficiently, while also ensuring the privacy of all students and families is maintained.”