Clontarf Beach State High School toilet plan slammed by parents

Angry parents say a South East Queensland high school’s controversial ruling on school toilets is “degrading” for children.

Clontarf Beach State High School has been locking its toilets during class time since October 23.

A Queensland school is locking the toilet blocks during class time to stop students loitering and vaping inside the cubicles and vandalising the facilities.

Parents have voiced their concerns to the school and Department of Education, saying they were not properly consulted about the move and that it is “degrading” for students.

Clontarf Beach State High School locked its toilets during class time since October 23 – the start of week 4 in this term.

Deputy principal Bek Power outlined the change in a school newsletter published on October 27, which states in part: “Students are required to retrieve a key from the school office before accessing the toilets during class time.

“Students are still required to request access to the toilets through their teacher, and they must carry a leave pass if they are found outside their classrooms during class time.

“The key reason for this was the number of students who were missing important learning time by loitering in toilets, truanting from their classes, engaging in inappropriate behaviours (vaping etc.) and on some occasions significantly damaging the toilets.

“By controlling access, we can deter students from engaging in disruptive activities …”

One Clontarf Beach SHS parent said their child told them of the change three days before it took effect, and this was the first they knew of it.

“This is a health issue. There may be children with medical issues who cannot wait until the class is finished to go to the toilet,” the parent said.

“Or girls with their menstrual cycles. They have their teacher ask them why they need to go to the toilet during class and they have to explain in front of the whole class and again at the school office.

“Those kinds of personal issues don’t need to be aired like that.”

Deputy principal Bek Power outlined the change in a school newsletter published on October 27.

Another concerned parent said they only heard about the change “through the grapevine” and then asked their child, who confirmed it.

“The toilets shouldn’t be closed at all, it’s a violation of the students’ rights and an embarrassment … it’s kind of degrading to the children as well,” they said.

A Department of Education spokesman said one toilet block on campus remained unlocked at all times for any students needing access urgently.

“Students and families have been notified of the updated procedure through school assemblies and newsletters since week 1 of the term, with a review of the continuation of the procedure taking place at the end of the term,” he said.

“Individual schools are best placed to make decisions about the use and control of their facilities without seeking input from the wider school community if necessary.

“Any parent or caregiver with concerns is encouraged to contact the principal.

“The school has received some inquiries from parents regarding the changes with overall feedback being positive and supportive as it has reduced numbers of students leaving classes and missing out on learning time.”

Clontarf Beach SHS has published two newsletters since the start of Term 4. The October 13 newsletter did not mention the change, while the October 27 newsletter came after the policy was in place.

The P&C committee was dissolved on October 10 because the school could not afford the ongoing operational expenses – $3000 per year.

The school hopes to form a parent consultative body instead, but this likely won’t be done before the end of the year.

Originally published as Clontarf Beach State High School toilet plan slammed by parents