School tackles behaviour

Hedland Senior High School has admitted to a surge in antisocial behaviour among its students, but says staff are working hard to address the issues.

The acknowledgement comes after mobile phone footage revealed an incident last week in which the school’s principal, Kelly Summers, was knocked to the ground by a female student.

Ms Summers said she and her staff had this year created alternative education programs at the school to meet the complex social, emotional and learning needs of some students.

“Some of our students experience a range of challenges in their lives which relate to complex social issues in the wider community, and this does impact at school sometimes,” she said.

“However, poor behaviour is never acceptable in our school and there will be consequences if a student lashes out or bullies others.”

A Department of Education spokeswoman confirmed the incident captured on mobile phone on May 18, saying a student had started a fight with another pupil and said while it was distressing, neither the principal nor the students were injured.

“The principal has met with parents of the students involved, and it has been made clear to the students that violence of any kind at school is not acceptable. One student has been suspended,” she said.

“The school has support in place, including a school psychologist, youth worker, chaplain and year co-ordinators, for any students who are experiencing issues in their lives.”

Ms Summers said despite the incident the alternative education programs had shown positive signs.

“We strongly encourage the values of care, courtesy, respect and responsibility among all of our students and I urge any student at our school who needs help to speak to their year co-ordinator,” she said.

“I also welcome parents to contact our health and wellbeing team if they have any concerns.”