Melbourne’s dangerous schools: Tarneit, Glen Eira, Fountain Gate teachers’ security call

Tarneit Senior College is among Melbourne’s “dangerous schools” where teachers and students are pushing for permanent security amid a spate of violent incidents.

Teachers and students at some of Melbourne’s most “dangerous” schools have called for permanent security amid a spate of violent incidents.

The Herald Sun can reveal staff and students from schools including Tarneit Senior College, Glen Eira College, Parkdale Secondary College, Fountain Gate Secondary College and Caroline Chisholm Catholic College say their schools require permanent security.

It comes after four teachers at Tarneit Senior College had fallen victim to an alleged vicious assault by teens last month while coming to the rescue of a student who was ambushed in an after-school group attack.

An alleged “ringleader” of a teenage gang was also charged and faced the children’s court last week over an alleged armed robbery in Glen Huntly that left Glen Eira College Year 9 student Benjamin in hospital with serious injuries.

A second teen was also charged over the assault and has been remanded to face court at a later date.

Neerim Rd, Glen Huntly where a Glen Eira College student was dragged into a car and assaulted. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Several staff members who work at Tarneit Senior College told the Herald Sun the school needed “permanent” security guards stationed at the school.

“We need permanent guards to deter students from taking part in these violent fights,” a teacher said.

Another staff member said she was angered by a letter the school community received saying a security audit found the “reception area is functional and appropriate from a security perspective”.

“It’s a kick in the teeth for all of the staff that were injured in the front foyer in the recent attack,” she said.

“The audit said the school’s security was ‘highly satisfactory’, but that’s totally wrong. Most of us feel unsafe coming to work.”

One staff member, who works at Glen Eira College, said he had intervened in “several fights” between students in recent months.

“The fights quickly become very violent. Some students have been seen filming each other to gain notoriety on social media, it’s confronting for all who witness these incidents,” he said.

“I think there needs to be a strong security presence at the school, particularly in light of recent events, it would offer a sense of reassurance.”

Staff and students at Tarneit Senior College want permanent security. Picture: Rob Leeson

Students have taken to online forums and social media to list Melbourne’s most “dangerous” schools that “need security 24/7”.

One student said: “Parkdale SC has so many fights happening, they need guards.”

Another student, who played against Caroline Chisholm Catholic College in inter-school sport, said the school was “full of gangsters”.

“Their team … threatened to jump whoever tackled them after the game,” the pupil wrote.

In July, a boy was threatened with the large knives outside the Braybrook school after an altercation and raced off before he was attacked.

A Caroline Chisholm Catholic College spokesman said: “The college has firmly established expectations for student conduct. Any behaviours that do not align with our values are not tolerated.”

A Department of Education spokesman said schools affected by recent incidents remained in close contact with Victoria Police, who were providing assistance.

“From time-to-time schools may employ temporary security guards, but Victoria Police lead on ensuring community safety,” he said.

“Victoria Police can also assist schools in determining when temporary security guards may be an appropriate step to take.”

The Department continues to make sure all appropriate security measures are in place, including the provision of CCTV, secure fencing and security guards – if needed.

Originally published as Melbourne’s dangerous schools: Tarneit, Glen Eira, Fountain Gate teachers’ security call