An active investigation is still ongoing resulting from the incident that occurred last Monday, when a student was reportedly the victim of a violent attack that had them taken to hospital with facial injuries.
McGuire College principal Claire Kelly said the footage of the alleged attack circulated among students was disturbing.
‘‘I am disappointed and disturbed to see this footage as it does not reflect our values, or the behaviour of the majority of our students,’’ she said.
‘‘There is no place for this in our school and appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken.’’
Ms Kelly said the combination of mobile phones and criminal behaviour in the schoolyard was proving problematic.
‘‘Our students are aware of the expectations regarding the responsible use of technology, along with the consequences of circulating inappropriate material, and we are reminding them of these responsibilities,’’ she said.
‘‘We are working with our school community to get to the underlying cause of this incident to ensure our students, staff and families are well-supported to prevent this from being repeated.’’
A Department of Education spokesperson said the incident was being monitored.
‘‘As a result of an altercation between students on Monday, March 25, police and emergency services were called to McGuire College,’’ she said.
‘‘While this incident remains under police investigation, we are unable to comment further.’’
Victoria Police said it was investigating and no charges had yet been laid.
The statements came as Victorian Education Minister James Merlino was touring the McGuire College campus yesterday announcing a two-year transition towards the Shepparton ‘‘super school’’ plan.
Mr Merlino announced that McGuire College would take in all the region’s Year 7 students next year. A portion of Mooroopna Secondary College’s Year 11 and 12 students will also be shifted to McGuire.
In February, The News reported on a closed Snapchat group where users were uploading videos of Greater Shepparton students fighting and committing acts of assault.
Uniforms and locations for two schools, McGuire College and Shepparton High School, were identifiable in the videos.
The Snapchat group has since been closed following a police investigation.
Anyone with information on Monday’s incident is urged to phone Mooroopna police station on 58254131 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
If this article has raised issues of concern you can get help from the following organisations:
Kids Helpline, phone 1800551800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au
headspace, phone 58238800 or visit headspace.org.au