Fitzgerald State School in Mackay placed in lockdown during safety incident

Police were called to a Qld state school and a block of classrooms placed in lockdown after a student allegedly self-harmed with scissors and threatened others.

Students from Fitzgerald State School were evacuated onto a nearby oval following reports of smoke from one of the school's buildings. Photo: Fergus Gregg

A North Mackay school was placed into lockdown on Monday afternoon after a student allegedly self-harmed with scissors and threatened others, according to a parent, with police and paramedics requested.

The Daily Mercury has confirmed police were called to Fitzgerald State School at 2.30pm, February 3, and were still attending to work alongside the school as of 4pm.

A concerned parent of the school has said the grade five block of classrooms was placed into lockdown after a student self-harmed with scissors, forcing a teacher to intervene before being kicked by the student.

Students have told parents the child asked the other kids “do you think I’m scary” after harming themselves.

Children were evacuated from the classroom and a teacher barricaded the child in, the parent claimed.

They have claimed the student, when locked in the room, smashed laptops against glass.

Grade five students were evacuated to the library, where they could still hear their classmate screaming.

The Department of Education was asked a series of questions, including when and if the school notified parents of the ongoing lockdown, along with specific details about the event.

A spokesman said the student “de-escalated upon police arrival”.

“The lockdown was lifted at 2:50pm and classes resumed as normal.

“Parents and carers have been informed and support is available at the school for anyone who requires it.”

A letter sent by school’s principal Tracey Adams was sent to parents on Monday afternoon shortly after the Daily Mercury contacted both the school and the department.

In the letter, Ms Adams said she “understood” parents’ concerns, but she was unable to go into any details at this time.

“Please be assured that the safety and welfare of your children and that of our staff is our highest priority.

“Our school was placed in a precautionary lockdown at 2:30pm today in response to a student behaviour incident.

“Everyone is safe and the lockdown was lifted at a short time later on police advice.”

On Tuesday, Ms Adams sent out a second letter to parents noting psychological support would be available to anyone who needed it.

“I have been in contact with Regional Office staff throughout Monday afternoon’s incident and have organised for the school Guidance Officer and school Psychologist to be at the school along with two Guidance Officers and a Chaplain from North High School,” Ms Adams wrote.

“These staff members will meet with students to talk with them about how they are feeling following the incident on Monday afternoon.

“In addition, Administration staff, school support staff and classroom teachers will be available to support students throughout the coming days.

“Should you wish to make an appointment to discuss your child’s needs, I encourage you to contact the school office on 4965 6333.”

It is understood parents had contacted the school concerned about the lack of communication and immediate support in the aftermath of the incident.

Originally published as Fitzgerald State School in Mackay placed in lockdown during safety incident