Loreto Normanhurst Catholic school: At least ten students suspended after alcohol hidden in lockers

AT least 10 students at one of the state’s most prestigious private schools have been suspended amid a scandal involving alcohol concealed in lockers.

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AT least 10 students at one of the state’s most prestigious private schools have been suspended amid a scandal involving alcohol concealed in lockers.

The alcohol was discovered during a search by authorities at Loreto Normanhurst, one of Sydney’s most exclusive Catholic schools. The liquor had been stashed inside several lockers in preparation for a large party at which 130 students were expected to attend.

The Daily Telegraph has learned that eight Year 11 students have been suspended for having alcohol at school and two for planning the party.

The school tried to stop the Year 11 girls from attending the event hosted by parents off school premises.

Some of the alcohol, believed to be mostly wine and alcopops, was found dumped in the front yard of a resident’s property near the school in Sydney’s north.

The top-performing Catholic boarding school, which charges up to $22,101 a year in tuition fees, informed parents “many students” were involved in planning the party and purchasing alcohol.

The school tried to stop the Year 11 girls from attending the event hosted by parents off school premises, “fearing for the safety and wellbeing of the students”. But some students responded with a social media campaign threatening students who opposed the party, and the school.

In a letter to parents, principal Barbara Watkins said the party planned for last Friday was moved from the “parent’s venue to another outdoor venue” and students decided it should go ahead despite the school’s warning.

“Via social media, the school and certain individuals were singled out and threatened for taking a stand in favour of safety,” Ms Watkins said.

“This is an extremely serious matter which will be thoroughly investigated by the school in the coming week.

“Many students were involved in the planning of the event and purchasing alcohol as well as disturbing and intimidating behaviour towards other students and the school.”

The liquor had been stashed inside several lockers in preparation for a large party at which 130 students were expected to attend.

Ms Watkins said the school received information that students going to the party had brought alcohol to the school.

“The school acted quickly to ascertain information and spoke with the girls, followed by a thorough search of the premises during periods five and six,’’ she said. “I am sad to say alcohol was discovered as a result of that search.”

Ms Watkins said the bringing of alcohol to school, intimidation and inappropriate use of social media breached a raft of guidelines and rules.

“The school is clear in its response to underage drinking through its policies, guidelines and procedural documents.”

The 120-year-old school occupies a 13.5ha site off Pennant Hills Rd and is the top-performing Catholic school in NSW, ranked 26th overall for its HSC results.