A PARENT has raised alarming concerns about the behavioural issues of some students at a Mount Gambier primary school, alleging his six-year-old daughter had been seriously assaulted on several occasions.
From having cords wrapped around her neck to students attacking her with a stick, Lee Morgan has revealed how his young daughter is now fearful of attending Mount Gambier North Primary School.
“My daughter used to love going to school and now every morning she is in tears and trying to get her to school is difficult because understandably she is frightened,” Mr Morgan said.
“She’s had hands on her throat, cords wrapped around her neck, been slapped in the face, classrooms have been locked down at the school, so there are a lot of problems.”
Last month, he personally witnessed the ongoing anti-social behaviour.
“I was having trouble getting my daughter to school, I finally got her there at 10am and the classroom door was locked,” Mr Morgan said.
“One student had been locked-in and another was carrying on.”
Mr Morgan was quick to defend the school, stating staff were doing all they could with available resources.
“They do not have the resources to deal with children who have medical and behavioural problems, which is impacting on other students who are just there to learn,” Mr Morgan said.
“I have been trying to contact the minister because there needs to be something put in place to minimise what is happening, but there is just nothing coming forward from Education Minister Susan Close.”
Limestone Coast education director Adam Box said he was aware of complex behaviours and needs of students and staff were working with the school to boost safety.
“Behaviour management is a fundamental part of teaching and the department has invested a significant amount into intervention measures to help schools manage student behaviour,” Mr Box said.
“When there are very serious or repeated incidents our priority will support and educate the child to improve their behaviour while protecting the rights of the wider school community.”
Mr Box said there were already measures being taken to help schools manage student behaviour, including an investment of $1.8m into student well-being initiatives to support preschool and primary students most at risk of disengagement.
Despite this, Mr Morgan is yet to receive the support required to allow him to ensure his daughter will be safe and able to encourage her to attend school.
“She has trouble going to sleep, she sleeps with us and you just wonder how it is impacting on her at such a young age,” Mr Morgan said.
“You ask yourself questions like ‘is she experiencing post-traumatic stress and how is this behaviour going to effect her later in life?'”
Demanding change, Lee Morgan said it was time the government took notice of rural locations and invested in the education department in the Limestone Coast.
“I am sure it is not just this school, it would be happening elsewhere and it needs to change,” Mr Morgan said.
“The minister does plenty of self-promotion about what they do, but the stuff they are not doing is pushed under the carpet.”
