Shock racism claims emerge from Greater Shepparton College

Insiders at trouble-plagued Greater Shepparton College say racial attacks against multicultural students are triggering some schoolyard brawls.

Racist abuse has allegedly sparked violent fights at a Victorian “super” school, which is now teaching students about their “roots”.

The Herald Sun has been told a group of Pacific Islander and African students at Greater Shepparton Secondary College were called the “n-word” by another student while leaving a school swimming carnival in February.

“They said, ‘Get all your n’s out of here’,” one woman said.

A Herald Sun special ­investigation on Tuesday ­revealed a string of issues at the college, including violent schoolyard brawls, teachers “working in fear” and the school being forced into lockdown after a student was seen waving an imitation firearm.

Multicultural community worker Betul Tuna, who has been working with the college, confirmed the racism ­incident, and said students “reported dozens of ­instances of racism, which have in some cases led to fights”.

Ms Tuna said racism in Shepparton had been a long-running problem, and reflected broader community issues.

Greater Shepparton Secondary School Principal Barbara O'Brien. Picture: Jason Edwards

“Multicultural students have reported dozens of instances of racism, which have in some cases led to fights,” she said.

The college, with more than 2000 pupils, was created last year when the education department combined four local schools.

Despite the ­issues, Ms Tuna said the move gave all students “equal access to the same support, resources, subject selections and opportunities will finally be greater”.

Karen “Daisy” Utber, who has been teaching in Shepparton for almost 40 years, said the school was addressing the issue of racism by writing units in response to needs.

“We are teaching an elective subject called Know Your Roots, which has been co-designed by Pacifca leaders in the area and it will teach about four of the South Pacific cultures,” Ms Utber said.

The new “super” school has been at the centre of controversy. Picture: Jason Edwards

Education Department schools and regional services deputy secretary David Howes said any form of racism was “completely unacceptable”.

“There is a huge amount of work and effort going into making sure every student feels safe, feels that they belong and feels that they can pursue their learning,” Mr Howe said.

Acting Premier and Education Minister James Merlino has acknowledged major challenges at Greater Shepparton College but has stood by the state government’s response to problems at the troubled school.

“Poor student outcomes at the four secondary schools, poor student outcomes compared to other schools in regional Victoria and a level of dysfunction that had to be addressed.

“We’ve provided additional staff, additional well being teams, additional Koorie education officers.”

Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said parents should not have to worry about sending their children to a school marred by violence.

“There are serious issues that the government seems to be just ignoring,” he said.