‘Inappropriate’: Geelong private school investigates marijuana incident

A Geelong private school is undertaking a “thorough” investigation and increasing student supervision after an incident involving a “marijuana-like” smell.

Christian College Geelong will investigate after an incident involving “marijuana-like” smell coming from a toilet block. Picture: David Smith

A Geelong private school will increase supervision of students following an on-campus incident involving a “marijuana-like” smell.

Christian College Geelong deputy head of senior campus Damian Stephenson wrote to parents and guardians on Wednesday about “inappropriate behaviour” at the school on Tuesday morning.

In the email, seen by the Geelong Advertiser, Mr Stephenson said staff received information from a number of students regarding a smell in one of the female toilet blocks described as “marijuana-like”.

“Staff investigated and noted that there was an obvious smell that indicated inappropriate activity may have taken place in the toilets (Tuesday) morning,” he said in the email.

“We have had some descriptions given to us of the students involved and will be following through with a thorough investigation.

Mr Stephenson said extra measures including more supervision and staff spot checks had been organised on top of regular yard duty teachers.

“Please know that we have also arranged extra supervision and staff spot checks, on top of the normal yard duty teacher roster.

“Hopefully these measures, along with the support of our student body in clearly signalling their dislike for such behaviours, will be enough to ensure we maintain the healthy and safe environment that students have come to expect.”

Principal Glen McKeeman said on Thursday the college was taking a proactive and appropriate response to the matter and confirmed it was still being investigated.

He said the culture of the school encouraged students to demonstrate care and responsibility for their community and he was proud of the students for taking the action to report their concern.

“These matters require a community response that relies on the strong partnerships we have with our students, staff and families,” he said.

Mr Stephenson said staff held an assembly with students where it was “made clear” behaviours, including vaping, would not be tolerated.

“We shared with the students that we understand that risk taking behaviour can be a part of adolescence, but we also understand that risk taking behaviour is, by its very nature, dangerous,” he said.

“That is why we want to support our community to avoid such obvious and harmful risks.

“This extends to supporting those who may be involved to make better choices.”

It comes as health promotion foundation VicHealth called for urgent government action on vaping.

“We are at a crisis point with a new generation at risk of becoming addicted to toxic products,” VicHealth chief executive Dr Sandro Demaio said.

“The only way to protect young people from the harms of vaping is to stop them being available as consumer products.”

Originally published as ‘Inappropriate’: Geelong private school investigates marijuana incident