Investigation underway after police called to Tennant Creek High School
A school-based constable has been forced into action after a teenager allegedly punched out a window before returning with his mother who allegedly unleashed on staff members with an abusive tirade. Details.
A school front office was disrupted after a teenage boy allegedly punched out a window before returning with his mother and abusing staff members.
At about 10am on Monday, police officers were called to Tennant Creek High School following reports of chaos unfolding at the school’s reception area.
Police alleged a 15 year-old shattered a window after punching it with his fist.
The teenager sustained no injuries from the incident and left the location, only to return about 20 minutes later with his mother, who allegedly abused school staff.
The pair then got in a car and left the grounds.’
At about 2.30pm, the school’s principal, Petrina Hayward, issued a statement addressing the drama.
“This morning there was an incident involving a student and staff of the school, including the school-based constable,” she said.
“In line with school protocols, the NT Police were notified of the incident and attended the High School.”
Ms Hayward assured parents and carers the school has a “zero-tolerance policy” towards violent or inappropriate behaviour and that the incident has been addressed.
She said sanctions in line with school and departmental policy have also been implemented.
“The wellbeing of staff and students is our priority, and we are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe,” she wrote.
“I want to reiterate that every student at our school has the right to learn in a safe and supportive environment where they can achieve their best possible educational outcomes.”
NT Police have confirmed the matter is under investigation and that a formal complaint had been received.
It is not the first time the school has publicly addressed violence on its grounds.
In June 2022, a letter signed by 100 per cent of teachers who had been working at the school stated educators felt ‘unsafe at work’.
The letter, which was sent to the NT Education Department, cited escalating student violence as having traumatised students and staff alike.
The letter prompted a senior NT Police officer to call on the wider Tennant Creek community to pull together amid the unrest.
More recently, however, the school’s troubles have often occurred outside of school hours, with vandals choosing to target the establishment under the cover of darkness.
In August 2024, several grades were forced to skip school and stay home for a day after a particularly destructive vandalism spree.
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Originally published as Investigation underway after police called to Tennant Creek High School
