Nightcliff principal rules out fence around school
A high-powered meeting with heads of government has seen plans for a school fence torn down.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a 'Great Wall of Nightcliff' have been abandoned by the Nightcliff Primary School after a meeting with the Chief Minister.
The school's latest newsletter has noted that school leaders held a "productive meeting" with local member Natasha Fyles.
"We would like to reassure the community that there is no more fencing to be installed," the newsletter said.
But there will be some action taken to prevent antisocial behaviour on the school grounds, after reports of itinerants roaming the area during school areas.
"Gates and hinges will be fixed during the school holidays to ensure existing gates are closable as part of our immediate risk mitigation measure for student safety," it said.
The Chief Minister's office on Wednesday confirmed a meeting had occurred and that the fence would not go ahead.
MAY 5: Principal backs down on Nightcliff fence
The principal of a school that was considering fencing off the grounds has backflipped, saying they are no longer contemplating closing off the oval or playgrounds.
In a newsletter released to the Nightcliff Primary School community on Thursday, principal Jo Glennon said the controversial fence would be open to wider consultation and would "not impact the oval, playground, basketball courts and wildlife sanctuary and community access to this valued space".
This is despite an earlier voting slip given to parents providing the options of:
"FENCING surrounding the school perimeter, excluding the oval; or
FENCING surrounding the school buildings, internally gated access."
In the new newsletter, Ms Glennon said a temporary fence had been "constructed to provide a safe and inclusive environment for these children and prevent further risks to safety".
The NT News understands the community is divided over the issue, with a group of parents at the school starting an "anti-fence committee".
Ms Glennon said she needed to "clarify any misunderstandings" after the NT News published a front page article.
However, she did not say what, if anything, was incorrect in the article.
"The school has been encountering several young and vulnerable students absconding from the school grounds and onto roads neighbouring the property through gaps in surrounding fencing that exist currently," Ms Glennon said.
"Of particular concern is Pandanus Street through the staff carpark, leading onto the oval and gaps in exterior fencing to the roads, and through the front of school gates.
"We have placed notices on all gates to remind visitors, staff and students that gates need to be closed behind them to provide a safe and inclusive environment for these students of Nightcliff Primary school."
Nightcliff divided by proposed fence at primary school
RESIDENTS of a breezy Darwin suburb have been left shocked and divided after a school unveiled plans to build the Great Wall of Nightcliff.
The plans to ringfence Nightcliff Primary School were put to a vote of parents via a newsletter.
But angst about the plan has reached such fever pitch that local member Natasha Fyles has now publicly criticised the plan, telling the NT News a fence would “go against” making schools welcoming amenities for the public.
The newsletter, obtained by this paper, asks parents to vote either for and against a fence around the premises, and then asks whether a fence should surround the entire perimeter excluding the oval, or just around school buildings.
“We have been encountering recent increases in itinerant activity in school grounds including bodily fluids still on premises,” the newsletter said.
In the letter, Nightcliff Primary School principal Jo Glennon said there were other factors motivating the erection of a fence, including dogs running onto school grounds.
A local parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said he believed the fence was a “massive over-reaction”.
“My kids and other kids use those school grounds all the time,” the resident said.
“They go there to kick the footy, they go there to play basketball.”
The parent said he wanted the school grounds open to everyone, citing rising rates of obesity and a need to promote healthy outdoors activities. “Surely we want those kids to be outside rather than stuck inside on their Playstations,” he said.
Ms Fyles said she had raised concerns about the fence and brought up potential alternatives with the school council.
“With children living all around the school, access to the ground from every angle is important,” she said. “Additionally the use of the oval outside of school hours is something that brings our community together.”
The NT News contacted the Education Department for comment.
More Coverage
Originally published as Nightcliff principal rules out fence around school
Join the conversation
‘Best garrison city’: Army to give sneak peek behind scenes in Darwin
In a bid to inspire the next generation of Diggers, Robertson Barracks will open its gates to the public for the first time in five years, with “world-class” military demonstrations organised for the event. Read what the commander said.
Read more
A watchful eye: How Border Force is combating drug cartels in Northern Australia
As drug cartels become craftier, the challenge to protect the nation becomes more difficult. See how Border Force officers operate in the Top End at sea and on land.
Read more