Glass House Mountains State School principal Chris Richards praised for ‘swift, heroic action’

A teenage girl has been arrested after attacking a teacher’s aide with a screwdriver during a terrifying incident at a Southeast Queensland primary school.

A brave Sunshine Coast primary school principal has been hailed a hero after stopping an armed teenager from stabbing a teacher’s aide in a terrifying incident.

Glass House Mountains State School was forced into an emergency lockdown last Wednesday morning after the teenage girl entered the school armed with a screwdriver.

Principal Chris Richards and other staff have been praised for his “swift and heroic action” during the incident, which prevented students and staff from being injured.

Glass House Mountains State School. Picture: Supplied

The Courier-Mail understands Mr Richards’ bravery prevented a teacher’s aide from potentially being stabbed during the incident, with the girl armed with the sharp implement.

Queensland Police confirmed that the teenager had been arrested and the Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit were investigating.

“Preliminary investigations indicate a teenage girl, in a state of crisis, attended the primary school around 11.30am,” a police statement said.

“The girl, armed with a screwdriver, wrestled a woman that she happened across outside of a classroom to the ground, threatening her.

“Staff from the school, alerted to the girl’s presence by her family, attended and pulled the girl away.

“Police arrived soon after and arrested her. She was transported to hospital for an assessment.”

It is understood the teacher’s aide sustained minor soft tissue injuries and nobody else was injured.

A Department of Education spokeswoman confirmed the school was put into lockdown “in response to a potentially dangerous trespasser on school grounds”.

“The school was advised of the trespasser’s presence by one of the person’s family members, who also supported staff in keeping everyone safe,” she said.

Once staff became aware there was a potentially dangerous intruder on school grounds, a lockdown was enacted and police were called.

“The school contacted the parents of the students who witnessed the incident immediately after the lockdown was lifted,” the spokeswoman said.

“Guidance officer and chaplain support are available at the school for any students that may require it and the school community was advised of the event that afternoon.”

“The Department and Glass House Mountains SS leadership team would like to thank school staff and Principal Chris Richards for their swift and heroic action in keeping students and staff safe during the lockdown.”

Police investigations are continuing.