‘We expect better’: Parent slams Geelong College over knife chase
Parents paying more than $26,000 a year at The Geelong College have demanded better safety measures after a year 4 student allegedly chased classmates with a pocket knife.
Families paying more than $26,000 annually to send their children to The Geelong College say they “expect better” after an alleged knife incident on campus sparked concerns about student safety and the school’s disciplinary response.
One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed a year 4 student brought a pocket knife to the middle school campus last week, exacerbating ongoing safety concerns following multiple alleged incidents of “bullying (and) physical violence”.
“(The student) and a friend then, using the knife, chased children around the middle school campus,” they said.
The parent said many families were concerned about the repercussions of the incident, with one student allegedly receiving a three-day suspension, while no action was taken against another student involved.
“In all situations the school has not been quick to act, is not holding children and parents accountable to actions and is not prioritising safety,” they said.
“Many families don’t believe consistent expectations and consequences are being applied.”
It is understood parents received an email from head of middle school, Leanne Russell “assuring parents that the college prioritises social, emotional and physical safety of students”.
“The email refers to their high expectations on academic behaviours and social standards and notes that, when not met, consequences and restorative plans are applied,” the parent said.
“If the principal and school do not start to take this seriously it will get much worse.”
Parents and carers forked out $26,636 in 2025 for a year 4 student to attend The Geelong College, while the tuition fee for a year 8 student was $32,812.
The Geelong Advertiser revealed in October parents of the prestigious private school were the wealthiest in the region, boasting a median family income of $290,000.
Considering the cost of sending their children to the school, the concerned parent added families expected adequate consequences for any violence or bullying.
“As parents choosing to send our children to this school (and) paying high fees, we expect better,” they said.
When asked about the alleged incident, The Geelong College refused to comment on whether additional measures had been implemented to prevent similar situations in the future.
“The College became aware of a situation that was addressed promptly and in line with our usual procedures, with student safety and wellbeing the priority,” principal Simon Young said.
“We do not discuss individual students or specific details.
“We respect the privacy of all involved and are supporting the families as appropriate.”
The Geelong College is a co-ed K-12 school with about 1500 students including 100 boarders.
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Originally published as ‘We expect better’: Parent slams Geelong College over knife chase
