By Brendan Rees
Students from St Peters College Cranbourne East Campus have been suspended after footage emerged of violent attacks at the school last week.
The footage, which was supplied to Channel Seven, showed students punching and flinging victims to the ground while other students watched on.
Principal of St Peter’s Cranbourne Chris Black said staff at the school “moved swiftly” to break up a number of altercations between students last week.
“The school has acted promptly in accordance with the relevant protocols to implement appropriate disciplinary and support measures, including suspensions, the instigation of behaviour management plans and meetings with parents of the students involved,” he said.
Mr Black did not confirm how many students were suspended.
“Bullying or violence in all its forms is unacceptable behaviour and has no place in our school.”
Mr Black said the incident would be treated with the utmost seriousness, adding the school held a special school assembly for Years 7 to 10 on Monday, 26 February.
“My door is always open to any parents wanting to discuss any issues at all regarding their children’s wellbeing and education.”
Mr Black said the school valued its reputation as a safe learning environment.
Member for Gembrook Brad Battin said the footage was shocking and called for the return of Police in Schools Program.
“All parents send their children to school to learn – and we expect them to be safe from any violence.”
“Daniel Andrews has failed to deliver any genuine prevention programs and the crime continues to rise as he does nothing,” Mr Battin said.
“Only the Liberal Party will return the Police in Schools Program, create positive engagement between police and young Victorians and act to stop this violence.”
He said Victoria had to react as there was a massive increase in violent crimes reported in the media, which is “seen on the street and even in our homes.”
