Police investigate incident at Hobart City High School but no charges laid

A confrontation at a Hobart school has “traumatised” a young student and is the subject of a police investigation. Read what we know.

School fight generic image: A boy allegedly punched a girl while armed with a knife during an incident at a Hobart school.

An incident at a Hobart school in which a boy is alleged to have punched a girl, while armed with a knife, is being investigated by police.

The incident happened at the New Town campus of Hobart City High School at lunchtime on Thursday.

Police confirmed to the Sunday Tasmanian that an investigation was underway but said: “At this stage no charges have been laid.”

In an email to parents and carers at 5pm on Thursday, lead principal Britany Roestenburg said student safety was the school’s “highest priority”.

“Unfortunately, I wish to advise that an incident occurred today involving one of our students,” she wrote.

Britany Roestenburg lead principal Hobart City High. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Please be assured that the school will be working to support the students and families involved in this incident, including those who may have been indirectly impacted. Please contact the school if you have any concerns for your young person.

“I would like to assure you that any instance of inappropriate behaviour in our school is taken very seriously and immediately investigated in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

“The Department’s Student Behaviour Management Policy outlines a consistent approach to responding to unacceptable behaviour with appropriate prevention and intervention strategies, whilst maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

“As a school we will work together to address any incident and educate the students about appropriate and respectful behaviours.”

The mother claimed her daughter had intervened to defend another boy from threatening behaviour and “simply told the boy to back off”.

She also claimed the main boy then “punched her daughter while holding a steak knife.”

The mother of the female student said it had been a “traumatic experience” for her daughter and she would not let her return to school “until it’s safe to do so”.

The Department for Education, Children and Young Peoples confirmed an

incident involving a student at a southern Tasmanian high school.

“All allegations of inappropriate behaviour in schools are taken very seriously and immediately investigated in accordance with Departmental policies and procedures,” a spokeswoman said.

The father of another student, who was allegedly the target of the boy’s knife threats said his son had been subjected to ongoing bullying and teasing for three years.

He said his son had been suspended in the past after lashing out at bullies.

“He was threatened with being stabbed or slashed last year,” he said.

“We had a meeting about this and I said this boy has made countless threats, he’s brought knives to school. I said something bad is going to happen.

“The boys have a no contact agreement but the school cannot guarantee his safety.”

The father said he would meet Education Department representatives next week and was considering legal action against the school and department.

Bullying is ‘absolutely heartbreaking’ for children: Charity founder

The founder of a charity promoting empathy and kindness in children says it is “absolutely heartbreaking” that bullying and suicide involving young people is rising.

Danny Mayson-Kinder, the CEO and founder of the b kinder foundation, said suicide was now the leading cause of death among young people.

“One in seven primary school students has a mental health condition,” she said.

“These statistics are incomprehensible.

“It is absolutely heartbreaking that these mental health issues, bullying and suicide rates are rising at such an alarming rate.

“Prevention and early intervention are not just important - hey are critical.”

b kinder foundation founder and CEO Danny Mayson-Kinder organised workshops, including at Lansdowne Crescent Primary to teach children about kindness and compassion. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Mayson-Kinder was in Tasmania last week for the first in person b kinder workshops with 52 students from Lindisfarne Primary, Lansdowne Crescent Primary, Swansea Primary and Taroona Primary Schools as part of a program which started in the state last year.

Catherine Kolomyjec, one of Stanford’s global ambassadors for applied compassion facilitated the student workshops.

Ms Mayson-Kinder established the foundation in 2018 after her 12-year-old daughter Billie died in a tragic horse accident and said Billie’s words were the “cornerstone of the b kinder workbooks”.

“Designed with the help of phycologists and educators these workbooks help children to become more resilient, connected, and compassionate.

“Our b kinder school initiative is student led.

“We want these students to role model and create a culture of kindness, empathy and compassion throughout their school that ripples into community.

Danny Mayson-Kinder of the B Kinder Foundation of Primrose Sands Tasmania is a nominee for the Shine Awards. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“When b kinder talks about the impact of kindness, it’s not just about soft gestures; it’s about shifting attitudes, systems, and the way we value each other.

“It’s about creating a culture where kindness is a foundation for education, policy, leadership, and community.

“Change starts with all of us, businesses, organisations and communities.”

According to the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute she said about 50 per cent of mental health disorders begin before the age of 14, and everyone had a role to play in ensuring children felt safe and supported.

“We cannot afford to wait. We need prevention and early intervention now.

“Children need to see kindness in action and be taught how to build resilience, compassion, and empathy. These are the qualities that will allow them to flourish with strength, courage, and confidence.”