Highfields State Secondary College among Qld schools targeted by hoax threats as exams delayed

Students and parents at a Toowoomba high school have been left ‘frustrated’ after three consecutive evacuations, in what’s believed to be part of a series of hoax threats against schools across the state.

Highfields State Secondary College.

A major Toowoomba high school has been forced to delay some exams after being forced to evacuate students three times in the past week.

Parents of Highfields State Secondary College have called on the school to increase security after incidents were reported on Friday, Monday and Tuesday.

It comes after a fourth hoax threat was received last month.

In each case, parents were alerted quickly via text before a letter from the principal was sent out to explain the situation.

“I understand the duress and frustration that this ongoing pattern of incidents is causing for students, parents/carers and our staff, and I assure you that HSSC is continuing to work very closely with the QPS with this ongoing investigation,” principal Scott Rowan said in a letter sent on Tuesday.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said one of her children’s exams had to be postponed due to “disruptions to the curriculum throughout the term” — something she believed referred to the hoax threats.

Highfields State Secondary College.

“It’s ridiculous. I’ve spoken to my child and he’s getting frustrated because they get pulled out of class and it’s very disruptive to learning,” she said.

“Last year it was the middle of summer, they had to wait for ages in the sun and kids were getting sick.

“I don’t know what else the school could do except for more security.”

Highfields is believed to be one of several schools across Queensland targeted by the threats, with the Department of Education confirming it had received a number of incidents.

“The Department of Education is aware a number of schools throughout the state received

threats on March 11 2024,” the spokeswoman said.

“The Queensland Police Service is investigating this matter and the department will

follow their advice, however at this stage QPS has advised that it appears to be a hoax.”

Anyone with information should ring Policelink on 131 444.