‘Virtue-signalling’: Goanna killing drama erupts at King’s School, Parramatta

The principal of one of Sydney’s most elite private schools has lashed the media for its coverage of a goanna killed on a school cadet camp on March 29.

The principal of one of Sydney’s most elite private schools has lashed the media for its coverage of a goanna killed on a school cadet camp on March 29.

The Kings School headmaster Tony George, in a passionate letter yesterday in response to an incident at The Annual Corps Camp in the Hunter Region, said the incident had been used by the media for “public shaming” and "virtue signalling”.

He signed off the letter with “RIP Vaaranus varius” – the Latin terminology for lace monitor, or goanna.

Goannas are protected species throughout Australia.

Goannas are protected species throughout Australia.

It is understood students from the prestigious private school allegedly “decided it would be funny” to torture and kill a goanna during the camp at the end of March.

The school reported the matter to NSW Police and the Australian Defence Force, as the camp was held on its land.

Mr George said the public outrage over the alleged animal cruelty was “both understandable and warranted”.

“Not only are native animals protected by law but animal cruelty is a heinous, inhumane act in all its forms,” he said.

But he went on to lambast the media describing the incident as “complex and complicated” with its black and white coverage of the matter.

“Tabloids and viruous trolls are quick to build a cacophony of public shaming under the clear assumption it is bad people who do bad things,” he said.

The Kings School headmaster Tony George lashed the media for ‘public shaming’ and ‘virtue-signalling’. Picture: The Kings School

Mr George continued that “when things go wrong”, such as “alleged animal cruelty ... the tabloids ... whip up a frenzy of public shaming and virtue signalling”.

“The wrongful act does not justify the pillorying, shaming and vilification of students and their schools by the media or anyone else,” he said.

He said the real tragedy is that it is often “good people who do bad things”.

NSW Police told NCA NewsWire they had begun investigating the alleged killing.

In a statement, a spokesman from The King’s School said they were aware of the incident.

“There was an incident which occurred at The King’s School’s annual cadet camp towards the end of last term,” it said.

“The school does not condone the behaviour, which is inconsistent with the values and expectations of behaviour at King’s.”

It is not yet known if the students faced any disciplinary action from the school.

The private school in Parramatta in western Sydney charges about $24,000 for kindergarten students and up to $40,000 for year 12 students.

The school boasts a raft of notable alumni including politicians, former deputy prime minister John Anderson, former NSW premier Mike Baird, shadow treasurer Angust Taylor, film director Bruce Berseford and author John Marsden.

Former NSW Premier Mike Baird. Picture: John Grainger

Director Bruce Beresford. Picture: Hamish Blair

On The Kings School website the school says they “aspire to develop global thought leaders: strengthening boys’ academically capability, developing good character and building their life of service”.

The story was first reported via 2GB with radio host Ben Fordham telling listeners he had received an anonymous tip-off

Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call The Hills Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Fish kill in wild high school break-in

The Kings School isn’t the only school where students are facing allegations of animal cruelty.

On Sunday a group of out-of-control teenagers tore apart a Sydney high school during a horrific two-hour rampage that caused “extensive damage” and left “hundreds” of animals dead.

Security footage has revealed that at around 3am on Sunday morning, three intruders – believed to be teenagers – broke into Sydney Secondary College’s Balmain and Leichhardt campuses.

The state school is split into three campuses across the inner west of Sydney, including in Balmain, Leichhardt and Blackwattle Bay.

Over the course of two hours, the group proceeded to smash through almost the entire Balmain campus, including the administration block, all staffrooms, some classrooms, the library and the canteen.

More than 30 computer monitors were destroyed along with teachers’ personal items such as photos.

Olive and Mango were barely alive when they were discovered. Picture: Facebook

Doors and windows were broken, along with other forms of damage – but in a sickening move, the intruders also aggressively targeted the school’s extensive marine animal collection.

Tragically, “hundreds” of fish, snails, yabbies and aquatic plants were killed, and the school’s two axolotls, affectionately known as Olive and Mango, were stolen before being callously dumped in a laneway, injured and barely alive.

Thankfully, they were found by a concerned member of the public who posted the discovery on social media, leading to the animals being reunited with the marine studies teacher.

In an emotional email to the school community seen by news.com.au, principal Ingrid Koodrin spoke of her “sadness and frustration” over the shocking crime, which resulted in “extensive and wilful damage in almost all parts of the school”.
“Worst of all, these individuals entered the marine studies room where they smashed to pieces 32 of 35 tanks, killing hundreds of fish, snails, yabbies and aquatic plants that are cared for by our students,” the email continued.

“They then stole our two axolotls, Olive and Mango, one of whom was seriously injured when their tank was smashed, later dumping them in a nearby laneway, where thankfully they were discovered, still just alive, by a passing community member who posted on social media, allowing their safe return to our marine studies teacher.

“Many thanks to these community members who saved the life of these rare creatures that are beloved by Balmain students.”

[e-mail]

Originally published as ‘Virtue-signalling’: Goanna killing drama erupts at King’s School, Parramatta