Parents’ fears over out-of-control child at Melbourne primary school
Terrified primary school students were reportedly struck by cricket bats and touched inappropriately by a fellow pupil with complex needs with the boy’s violent behaviour regularly putting the school in lockdown, parents say.
Education
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A boy with complex needs whose out-of-control and violent behaviour has repeatedly locked down a primary school in Melbourne’s southeast has been suspended.
The case has become a quandary for authorities as children, teachers and parents said they were in constant fear for their safety.
The boy, in Grade 6, has been suspended from the school until the rest of the term after a violent incident involving other children on Tuesday.
It has been alleged that violent, aggressive and threatening behaviour from the boy had regularly forced the outer-suburban school in lockdown, though he continued to attend classes.
Managing the child has become a dilemma for the Department of Education, which must also ensure his schooling and special needs are accommodated.
Concerned mother Vanessa said the drama surrounding the student was derailing the education of others at the school.
“The younger students, the preps are scared. They know when they hear the (lockdown) alarm, they know it’s this child,” she told 3AW.
“He has struck students with a cricket bat. He’s pushed a girl to the ground, he’s stolen money.
“Yesterday he punched two boys in the face and struck another. He’s touched some of the girls inappropriately.”
Vanessa said her son’s education and happiness had been severely affected along with many of the school’s students.
“He’s constantly been kicked, punched, aggravated; in certain cases I’ve been called to the school to pick him (up).
“We’re really upset for our kids. This is supposed to be their best year of primary school, it’s just been the worst.
“We want them to have another six months of great memories and not having to watch for their safety and wellbeing.”
Vanessa says she has contacted Education Minister James Merlino, but he “won’t talk to me”.
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Opposition education spokeswoman Cindy McLeish said it was a “sad and extremely disturbing situation for all involved”.
“The Labor government is failing families at this primary school,” she said.
A Department of Education spokesman said “violence and threatening behaviour directed at teachers and staff is totally unacceptable”.
“(That’s) why we’re taking action to make Victorian schools safer and more supported environments for both teachers and students,” he said.
Victoria’s 1500 public schools record less than two violent incidents per campus every year.
The State Government allocated almost $180 million in the latest budget to support students with additional needs.
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