A parent of a student at The Geelong College has launched a scathing public critique of the elite private school's handling of a serious incident where a student was allegedly chased with a knife by another pupil on campus.
Incident Details and Parental Outrage
The alarming event unfolded on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 8. According to the parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, their child was chased by another student wielding a knife near the school's boarding house. The parent claims the school's initial communication downplayed the severity of what occurred.
"We expect better from a school of this calibre and with the fees we pay," the parent told the Geelong Advertiser. The frustration stems from what is perceived as a failure in duty of care and a lack of immediate, transparent action. The parent emphasised that the core issue was the school's response, not the incident itself, stating they felt the matter was not treated with the urgency it warranted.
School's Response and Actions Taken
In response to the allegations, Principal Dr Peter Miller issued a statement confirming an investigation was underway. "The Geelong College is aware of an incident involving two students on campus last week," Dr Miller said. "The matter is being thoroughly investigated in line with our student wellbeing policies."
The school asserts that parents of the students directly involved were contacted on the day of the incident. Furthermore, the college stated that appropriate interim measures have been implemented to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students while the investigation proceeds. The school did not disclose the specific nature of these measures or any potential disciplinary outcomes, citing privacy obligations.
Broader Implications for School Safety
This incident has ignited a broader conversation about safety protocols and communication standards within educational institutions. The concerned parent's public stance highlights a growing expectation among families for proactive transparency and decisive leadership from schools, especially when student welfare is potentially compromised.
The Geelong College, a prestigious co-educational school with day and boarding options, is now under scrutiny to demonstrate how its policies translate into effective action during critical situations. The outcome of its internal investigation and any subsequent changes to procedure will be closely watched by the school community.
As the investigation continues, the primary demand from the affected family remains clear: a robust and accountable process that ensures such a frightening event is not repeated and that all students feel secure within the school grounds.
