By Brendan Rees and Mitchell Clarke
A Hampton Park father says his teenage daughter is a “changed person” after she was badly beaten and stomped on the head during an alleged fight at school.
The incident, which is currently being investigated by police, occurred at St Francis Xavier College’s Beaconsfield campus on 19 May – where the teen was allegedly set upon by a group of five to six youths.
Sam, who asked not to use his surname, said his 13-year-old daughter was left traumatised after the group of girls kicked and punched her and pulled her hair.
Footage has since emerged of the incident on social media.
The victim, a St Francis Xavier College student from the Berwick campus, was attending the school’s Beaconsfield campus during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Sam said his daughter said the girls had been “provoking her all day” and had told the teachers that “something’s going to happen”.
“There were a group of girls with a phone ready around her,” Sam said moments before his daughter was allegedly attacked.
“This a cowardly act,” he said, adding he was further enraged after learning the girls were still attending the school days after the alleged assault despite reassurances from the principal they had been suspended.
He said his daughter’s had “a lot of chunks” of hair pulled out and suffered bruising to her body.
His daughter is now recovering at home as she is too scared to go to school.
A statement from St Francis Xavier College said a review of all procedures and risk mitigation strategies was taking place.
“On 19 May, there was a confrontation between a number of students at our school that was verbal and physical in nature,” a statement read.
“Our highest priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our students. On the day of the incident, staff responded quickly to restore calm.
“The College has taken its own disciplinary action consistent with Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd policy, to express our expectations around what is acceptable student conduct.
“The matter has been referred to Victoria Police and the College is assisting them with their investigation.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said a 12-year-old girl was spoken to by police following the alleged assault and was released pending further enquiries.
The investigation remains ongoing.
