Dripstone Middle School locked down, police called to ‘incident’

Hundreds of students went into lockdown after an ‘inappropriate’ incident at a popular Darwin school.

Six hundred students were sent into lockdown as an “inappropriate” incident between two children escalated into a family feud.

NT Police confirmed officers were called to Dripstone Middle School shortly before 1pm, Tuesday.

In a letter to parents and guardians, the acting principal said police were called and the school went into a “short lockdown” to ensure student’s safety.

“There was an incident today (on Tuesday) at Dripstone Middle School between two students and families which escalated into inappropriate behaviour,” the letter said.

“The lockdown was initiated in line with the school’s Emergency Management Policy and enabled staff to assess and de-escalate the situation, while keeping students safe in classrooms.”

Dripstone Middle School students return home as asbestos was found in the science lab.

The letter assured worried parents that the safety of students, staff, parents and visitors was “our highest priority”.

A police spokesman said the incident had been resolved by the time officers arrived.

Dripstone Middle School has 600 students from Years 7-9 at the Tiwi campus.

The school has been contacted for further comment.

In 2016, Dripstone Middle School was one of four Territory schools evacuated following a series of co-ordinated hoax bomb threats, with the specialist police squad Territory Response Group called in to assess the situation.

In 2016, Dripstone Middle School was one of four Territory schools evacuated following a series of co-ordinated hoax bomb threats, with the specialist police squad Territory Response Group called in to assess the situation.

It is not suggested the incidents are at all linked.

The Department of Education confirmed the incident, and action taken.

“The Department of Education does not condone violence, bullying or harassment in any form within Territory schools. Every child within our education system has the right to be educated in a safe school environment free from violence, bullying and harassment,” a spokesman said.

“There was an incident at Dripstone Middle School yesterday between two students and families that escalated into inappropriate behaviour.

“School staff were able to de-escalate the situation quickly in an appropriate, professional manner until NT Police attended the school.

“The school enacted a short lockdown of classes to ensure staff and student safety. The lockdown was initiated in line with the school’s Emergency Management Policy and enabled staff to assess and de-escalate the situation, while keeping students safe in classrooms.

“I would like to reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of all students, staff, parents, and visitors to Dripstone Middle School is of our highest priority.

“Dripstone Middle School’s leadership team is working closely with the families of all students involved to ensure that appropriate action is taken, and appropriate supports are in place.”