Katherine student taken to hospital with stab wound

A troubled Top End high school has been rocked again with more violence after a student was allegedly stabbed by her classmate. Details.

A 12 year-old girl was allegedly stabbed at Katherine High School on Wednesday morning. Picture: Alex Treacy

A schoolgirl has been taken to hospital after she was allegedly stabbed by another student on Wednesday morning.

Shortly before 9am at Katherine High School, a 12 year-old girl was allegedly stabbed in the arm with a lead pencil by her male classmate.

The victim has since been taken to Katherine Hospital for treatment.

Police were called to the school following the alleged assault. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

An NT Police spokesman told this masthead authorities were investigating the alleged incident.

“NT Police Force have responded to allegations that a 12-year-old male had assaulted a 12-year-old female at Katherine High School,” an NT Police spokesman said.

“The victim received minor injuries to the arm from a pencil.

“Inquiries are ongoing.”

The incident is the latest in ongoing violence at the school that parents have told the NT News has them daily fearing for the safety of their children.

A Department of Education spokesman confirmed the student had been injured, but as with past incidents reiterated that staff and student safety remained their priority.

“We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for students and staff,” the department restated.

The girl has undergone further treatment at Katherine Hospital. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The mother of the alleged victim, who asked not to be named, told the NT News she had pulled both her children from school grounds following the incident, saying she feared for their safety.

“This is how our education system and schools are handling incidents between male and female students,” she said.

“My (kids) are in fear.”

The latest incidents comes after many weeks of Katherine High School’s safety being brought into question.

In February, a spate of brutal bashings were reported on school grounds, with some of the graphic violence captured on video.

One parent revealed to this publication they considered taking their children out of school.

“I fear it is only a matter of time before someone dies,” they said.

Education Minister and Member for Katherine Jo Hersey has addressed school violence at Katherine High School in the past. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

At the time, the widespread community concern prompted Education Minister and Member for Katherine Jo Hersey to weigh in on student violence rocking her community.

“I am aware of the incidents that occurred at Katherine High School and I understand the community’s concerns, especially those of parents of students at Katherine High School,” she said.

“What we have seen in that video is appalling, and I have spoken to the Department of Education and Training and requested a full briefing.”

Less than two weeks after Ms Hersey’s comments, Katherine High School principal Nick Lovering advised parents he had approved police attendance at the school to conduct “handheld scanning” following a pen stabbing incident.

Mr Hersey has been contacted for comment.