Camberwell High School students to face disciplinary action over alleged muck-up day antics
A group of finishing year 12 students at a school in Melbourne’s east are facing disciplinary action after allegedly vandalising the campus with flour, glue, oil and honey in an act of “wanton destruction”.
Education
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Year 12 students who trashed their school in the middle of the night, hours before teachers cooked them breakfast in a series or farewells, are facing disciplinary action.
The students from Camberwell High School arrived after midnight on Friday morning and broke into the arts and technology area. They poured flour on the floor, put glue on tables, removed doors and daubed oil and honey on furniture, damaging tables and chairs.
The students climbed roofs and toilet paper and cling wrap was strewn around the school and the neighbourhood.
In a frank letter to parents and students over the weekend, senior school leader Elizabeth Foulds described the behaviour of a few as “wanton destruction”.
“It is with a weariness and sadness that I report to parents and students the havoc created by some in the cohort,” she wrote.
“A gathering of students was arranged on the school premises at 12 midnight last night via social media. I presume with some parents’ knowledge.”
She said the clear intent was to “muck up”.
“The video footage is confronting. That students who we have cared for, taught and nurtured for six years could display a total disregard to those students coming after them and to those who were required to clean up and restore classrooms so that they were fit to teach in,” she wrote.
She also said it was disappointing for arts and technology teachers who had worked hard with VCE students to prepare their folios.
Victoria Police confirmed it attended the Prospect Hill Road school after 1am when an alarm was triggered.
“They located a group of youths, believed to be students at the school, who had caused a minor amount of damage to some desks and chairs.”
“Police spoke with the youths and notified the school, who at this stage will be investigating the matter internally. “
School principal Jill Laughlin said in a statement over the weekend:
“We are deeply disappointed in the behaviour of some of our students, who attended the school out-of-hours.”
“Camberwell High School held a wonderful celebration day for our Year 12 students on Friday, and this incident does not reflect the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of our students.”
In the letter from Ms Foulds, she invited the offenders to see her or their house leaders early Monday.
“Camberwell High School values restorative practice and for those involved we would invite you to make retribution(sic) by offering an apology and a way to make things right,” she said.
It was unclear what disciplinary action might be. At some schools students misbehaving are required to sit their exams offsite.
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The school, which recorded a median VCE study score of 32 last year and is well regarded for its music program, organised a celebration day event for Year 12 students on Friday in which students dressed as their childhood heroes, were served breakfast by teachers and enjoyed bubble soccer and a waterslide.
Many schools are trying to rebadge Muck Up Day as Celebration Day after incidents of vandalism to schools and other property and bullying of younger students spiralled.
Ms Foulds also criticised students who involved younger students in their muck up antics.
“The chasing of year 8 and 10 and 11 students on the way to school — up Prospect Hill Road, at the stations and tram stop with flour and water was dangerous and intimidating behaviour that we did not think possible of this cohort,” she wrote.
“The lack of empathy is a concern. I wonder if those responsible consider those who run frightened into school.
“Please discuss this within families, our job of educating is not complete.”
Despite the setback, a planned whole school assembly will be held on Monday, followed by a lunch prepared by the parents and friends association.
The valedictory will be on Monday night.