After school on Friday, August 1, students from St Joseph’s College, Echuca and Echuca College were involved in a physical altercation at the Echuca College bus interchange on Butcher St.
A 14-year-old girl was charged the following day with recklessly cause injury, affray, intentionally cause injury, assault by kicking and unlawful assault as result of the incident.
The girl was bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.
St Joseph’s College principal Anne Marie Cairns said the incident was concerning to see and was being investigated.
“Such behaviour is not tolerated at St Joseph’s College and we take any form of physical violence very seriously,” she said.
“The incident has been formally reported and we are offering ongoing support to those directly involved and to our wider school community.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our highest priority and we continue to work with relevant authorities and our partner schools to ensure appropriate measures are in place to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all.”
A Victorian Department of Education spokesperson echoed these sentiments, and while they could not comment on the involvement of individual students, pointed to the statewide zero-tolerance bullying policy.
“Echuca College is committed to ensuring a safe school for all staff and students and the incident does not reflect the safe and supportive culture at the school or the behaviour of the majority of students,” they said.
“Victorian schools have zero tolerance for bullying or other inappropriate behaviour and take strong action against those found to be doing the wrong thing.
“The college is working closely with those involved to ensure the behaviour standards expected at school are understood.”
The department spokesperson highlighted its Respectful Relationships initiative, modelling healthy relationships and respect, and the School-wide Positive Behaviour Support program expanding from 700 to 1100 Victorian government schools this financial year.
The incident comes before the nation marks Bullying No Way Week, from August 11 to 15.
Anti-bullying initiatives are being pushed across the board, including the Kids Helpline @ School program, set for Monday, August 11.
The yourtown program will provide almost 400,000 students and community members with two free, 20-minute anti-bullying lessons online for Bullying No Way Week.
To learn more about the initiative, visit bullyingnoway.gov.au
If this story has raised concerns, please contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
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