Parent queries lockdown alert
Gore’s Longford Intermediate was in lockdown on Friday – but one parent said he had not been told why.
The Ministry of Education says the school has communicated with all parents by email, and two letters have been sent home.
Gore police have confirmed they attended the school on Friday after reports of a student acting aggressively, and were making follow-up inquiries.
On Monday night, Stuff was contacted by a ‘‘very concerned’’ parent.
‘‘The school went into lockdown and parents have not been properly informed what it was all about. All we really know is what we’ve heard from families. Apparently there was a student on a rampage at the school and smashing things and seriously hurting people. But the school isn’t being clear about the risks of this student and what they’re doing to keep everyone safe.’’
Longford Intermediate principal Yvonne Catherwood has not responded to a request for comment about the incident, but the school’s board of trustees chairperson, Vickie Heaps, said it was working through all processes regarding the incident on Friday. ‘‘We would appreciate privacy as the board works through the process.’’
Ministry of Education deputy sector enablement and support Katrina Casey said the ministry was aware of the incident, and that the school had contacted parents.
‘‘We are aware that there was an incident at Longford Intermediate School on Friday, which required the school to activate its lockdown procedures to keep children safe,’’ Casey said.
‘‘Parents were notified by the school that same day and were also provided with information about how they can support their child if required. ‘‘
When Stuff asked how parents were notified, Casey said since the incident school communication with parents had been ongoing.
A letter was sent home with all students who were at school on Friday, an email was sent to parents at the weekend and a further letter sent home with all students who were at school on Monday.
‘‘The principal and board of trustees followed the appropriate processes to manage the incident and are doing a good job ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their students and staff. We have supported them with this and continue to be available should the leadership team require further support.’’
She said if parents had any concerns about the wellbeing of their child, they should contact the school in the first instance.
Schools produce their own emergency management plans and the ministry supports them to do that with emergency management plan guidance, which includes advice on communications, Casey said.