Private school issues warning after student’s assault

Strathcona Girls’ Grammar has issued a warning to families after one of its students was allegedly assaulted by other girls on a popular Hawthorn street.

Strathcona Girls’ Grammar has told students to avoid upmarket Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn. Picture: Josie Hayden

A private girls’ school has told students to avoid upmarket Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn, after a year 10 student claims she was assaulted on Friday night.

Strathcona Girls’ Grammar sent a note home to families on Monday saying the student was the victim of an “unprovoked physical altercation” from girls from other schools.

It said the alleged incident was filmed and has been shared on social media.

Glenferrie Rd is an after-school Mecca for students, with some of Melbourne’s elite private schools accessed via Glenferrie station and the No.16 tram route which travels through the shopping strip.

Strathcona’s warning followed an earlier note to parents expressing concern about the large groups of students congregating in nearby Rocket Park and Glenferrie Oval, the former home of Hawthorn Football Club.

“The student concerned was not in the park or surrounds,” the school said.

“This occurred when she was leaving McDonalds where she was herded to the carpark near the entrance of the pool.

“Regrettably, an unprovoked physical altercation occurred between one of our students and girls from other schools.

“The incident was recorded and has been shared on social media.”

The school said it was offering support to the student and anyone concerned about the attack.

“It is important that the warning communicated to you about the Glenferrie Rd precinct is revisited with your daughters,” the school said.

“We do not think that the incident on Friday night is an isolated one and large groups continue to congregate in this area straight after school and into the early evening during the week.

“We would like our students to avoid this area where possible for the time being.”

“The wellbeing and safety of our students is our number one priority and any compromise to this is treated as a very serious matter. “

Strathcona principal Marise McConaghy told the Herald Sun the matter had been referred to police.

“Our current focus is on supporting those in our school community who have been affected. At this point in time, we’re not in a position to comment further,” she said.

Victoria Police confirmed officers responded to a “minor assault between two teenage girls” at Grace St, Hawthorn.

Police said the girls are believed to be known to each other.

“It is believed one girl assaulted the other,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“The victim was not injured in the incident.

“The incident is being dealt with by the teens’ schools.”

It was unclear where the girls involved in the incident go to school.

The area has a high concentration of mainly private schools including all girls’ schools Ruyton, MLC, Camberwell Girls Grammar, Genazzano and co-ed Carey. The Herald Sun is not suggesting that girls from any of these schools were involved.

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