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 this 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, 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 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.”

A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said paramedics were called to the school at 2.45pm for a “mental health incident”.

“There were no physical injuries, and no one was taken to hospital,” he said, adding that they were no longer there.

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