Gastro tears through private school in Melbourne’s east

Gastro has ripped through a private school in Melbourne’s east, striking down scores of students and forcing Year 7s to return home early from a school camp.

A gastro outbreak has struck down up to 100 students at The Knox School in Wantirna South. Picture: The Knox School

Up to 100 students at a Melbourne private school have been struck down by gastro, with some hit by the bug while on camp and forced to return home on buses.

A Year 7 camp with The Knox School in Wantirna South was called off midway as more than 26 children became ill, and all Year 7 classes have been cancelled on Friday.

Other year levels have also been caught up in the outbreak, which has swept through the school.

The Department of Health advises that anyone with gastro should stay at home for at least 48 hours after symptoms – which typically include vomiting and diarrhoea – have stopped.

Knox School principal Nikki Kirkup said the safety and wellbeing of schools and staff was paramount.

“I am grateful to staff for responding so quickly to the situation,” she said.

“The school continues to liaise with the Department of Health and will follow all advice received.”

One parent said “almost half of Year 11 are ill, with many more students across other year levels having to go home from school during the morning”.

However, the school said it was not aware of other year levels apart from Year Seven being affected by the outbreak.