News

Online disputes spill into school ground

By Darren Linton

Feb 24, 2021

Parents have been encouraged to discuss online activity with their children after the Wanganui Campus of Greater Shepparton Secondary College was placed in lockdown this week.

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In a letter to parents, Acting Executive Principal Barbara O’Brien said the unacceptable behaviour involved a number of Year 10 and 11 students and stemmed from an online dispute over the weekend that unfortunately carried into the school environment.

“There has been misinformation and unhelpful speculation concerning this matter shared on social media,” she said.

“I want to reassure you that the actions of staff were swift, appropriate measures were taken to ensure the safety of all, a calm environment was quickly restored and no injuries of a serious nature were reported.”

Ms O’Brien said the incident did not reflect the safe and supportive culture being built at Greater Shepparton Secondary College or the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of the students.

“Any violence or bullying is completely unacceptable and contrary to the values of Greater Shepparton Secondary College,” she said.

“Like all schools, we do experience incidents such as occurred on Monday from time to time.

“The college is investigating the incidents and is taking action consistent with our discipline policy and working with the students and families concerned to ensure issues are resolved.”

The school encouraged parents to discuss safe and responsible use of social media and to access information from the Australian Government’s eSafety Commissioner.