Manor Lakes school drag saga spark revealed

Early investigations into footage showing a school principal dragging a student, 9, at a college in Melbourne’s west has uncovered what sparked the controversial incident.

A nine-year-old boy who was dragged by his principal had kicked school property, sparking the controversial disciplinary saga, early investigations reveal.

Manor Lakes P-12 College executive principal Steve Warner has been stood down pending investigations by Victoria Police and an independent body after he was filmed dragging the student by the arm on Thursday.

Despite rumours a pregnant teacher had been harmed in an altercation with the boy, the Department of Education confirmed no-one was injured.

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The incident that sparked the investigation.

“The Department has no evidence that a teacher or student was kicked or punched, or that any staff member was injured,” a spokeswoman said.

An ambulance was called to the Wyndham Vale school at 2.53pm, however paramedics were not required.

The Herald Sun understands the boy, on his first day at the campus, had been aggressive in class and kicked school property.

Mr Warner, who had been doing rounds, removed the boy soon after, with the incident filmed by a pupil and posted to social media.

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Manor Lakes College in Wyndham Vale. Picture: Nicole Garmston

While there had been suggestions the boy was sitting on a skateboard while he was dragged along the ground, the Herald Sun understands that was not the case.

Education Minister James Merlino ordered an independent probe and was criticised by a principals’ group for labelling the footage “appalling and concerning” before investigations were complete.

But he doubled down on Friday, stating that as a parent and a minister his “view on that had not changed”.

“That is why, as part of normal process, an independent investigation will take place while the principal has been stood down,” he said.

“As the matter is also under investigation by Victoria Police it would inappropriate to comment any further.”

A Department spokeswoman confirmed Mr Warner “will not be at the school while the independent investigation takes place”.

“Our focus continues to be providing a safe learning environment at the school, and support for all affected parties,” she said.

Parents and staff have thrown their support behind Mr Warner, who has worked as a principal for 18 years.

Another student captured the incident and posted the footage to social media.

An online petition urging Mr Merlino to reinstate the man who had led the school since 2016 had gained more than 5000 signatures.

He was lauded by the college community, with many parents saying he had made a “hugely positive impact” in his short tenure.

One parent, who did not want her name published, said Mr Warner had worked hard to change the culture of the school.

“He came over here and turned everything around for us,” she said.

“He’s made the school a much better place for everyone.

“The way he’s been treated is appalling.”

School council president Janette England, in an open letter posted on social media, said members held an extraordinary meeting on Friday night to discuss the issue.

Ms England, on behalf of the council, said Mr Warner had been a “positive influence on the school in so many ways it’s hard to put into words”.

“As parent representatives, we would like to acknowledge the work Mr Warner has done in the college over the last 2 years,” Ms England said.

“We have all seen the transformation that has been happening at the college including changes to both the school facilities and the educational outcomes for the students.

“There has been a huge improvement in student behaviours, a reduction in suspensions and an increase in academic outcomes.”

Ms England said the council had been in contact with the education department.

“The College and its students are our priority, and we ask the College community allow the department’s investigation into the incident to run its course and that the College community respect the outcome,” she said.

School crossing supervisor, Margaret, has worked at the western suburbs school for more than a decade and said Mr Warner was “a kind man”.

“We don’t need to wrap these kids in cotton wool, I don’t think he’s done anything wrong,” she said.

While most parents agreed the principal had worked hard in his role and benefited the school, some believed Mr Warner could have handled the situation better.

“I’m not sure what transpired before the video, but I think if it was my child that was being dragged along the schoolyard I’d be pretty upset too,” one parent said.

“It’s a real shame that his career has been ruined by one incident because he really has been good for the school.”

Mr Warner did not respond when contacted.

Victoria Police and independent investigations remain under way.

@ashargoon

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