Clinton State School principal denies claims children had to stand all day

One day into the school year and a principal has been forced to contact Central Queensland parents about a viral Facebook post. Find out more.

Clinton State School.

The Education Department has hit back at claims students in a year 2 class at a Gladstone public school had to stand up throughout their entire first day of school, labelling the accusation as “inaccurate”.

A post by a parent on social media on Monday night after the first day back at school asked whether any other children in 2C at Clinton State School had to stand up at their desks all day.

Clinton State School.

A handful of parents backed up the claims, with one saying their son had complained his legs were sore and another child told their parents they had no chairs until the afternoon because they were unpacking all of “their stuff” and the teacher didn’t want them hurting themselves with the chairs in the way.

Another parent shared that their child had said they had a “hard day” and they sat down after “second break”.

Letter sent to parents and carers of 2C at Clinton State School.

In a letter sent out to parents and carers of the class, school principal Troy Sanson wrote, “claims that students were made to stand behind their desks all day are inaccurate”.

“Students in the class were engaged in a number of activities throughout the day and began arranging their desks and chairs according to the class organisational plans.

“Parents and carers are welcome to discuss their concerns with the school directly.

“Please call the school office to make a time to speak with myself or the Deputy Principal for Prep to Year 2, Mrs Heidi James.”

A statement was sent by the Education Department to this publication in response to the claims, which echoed the principal’s response and encouraged concerned parents to contact the school directly.

“The department is aware of comments circulating on social media regarding a matter of concern involving a class at Clinton State School,” it said.

Originally published as Clinton State School principal denies claims children had to stand all day