Page 1260 - Week 05 - Thursday, 31 May 2007
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Thank you for your letter dated 7 May 2007 about an incident at Canberra College on 1 March 2007. The Department has had considerable involvement in this issue.
I would like to assure you the Department thoroughly investigated the procedures implemented by the college following this incident, and found that appropriate action was taken. Communication between the school, the parents, and the Department, appears to have been extensive throughout this process.
It is my understanding the injured student received first aid treatment administered by a trained officer at the college. This was deemed the appropriate course of action. The student’s parents were also contacted and advised to seek further medical advice. Subsequent contact was made to check on the student’s well-being.”
I will not mention the names of the parents, but the letter continues:
… have been provided with information about processes for seeking reimbursement for medical expenses.
I have been advised that the perpetrator was suspended according to Departmental policy, and re-entry procedures were followed. The school has taken measures to ensure the two students are not in the same classes on their return to school, and the principal has met with both students to ensure they feel safe in the college environment.
The college also made every effort to provide the mediation that—
the parents—
requested, however, the other parties have elected not to participate. As an alternative, individual meetings were held.
I am advised that both the school and the students are satisfied that the incident is now resolved, and the students have resumed productive work at college.
I wrote that letter to Mrs Dunne yesterday. I signed it yesterday, 30 May. Mrs Dunne received that letter and the brief that I received from my department that I have noted the information and signed the attached letter, noting, as I was aware, that the allegation had been made and I have responded, Mrs Dunne.
I also refer Assembly members’ attention to a letter from the director of schools for central Canberra in relation to this matter, who wrote directly to the parents at the time. Again I will not mention any names, but the relevant paragraphs are:
I understand that you have concerns around the way in which this incident was handled. The Schools Directorate has looked at the school’s processes in dealing with this situation, and has had communication with the school since the incident occurred.
The school took appropriate action in relation to this incident, following departmental policy. Schools develop their own student management procedures, aligned with departmental policy, that are appropriate for their individual school environment. I support the Principal’s action in this matter.
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