Toy gun sends school into lockdown

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By Mitchell Clarke

St Francis Xavier College in Beaconsfield was locked down Wednesday afternoon, 22 May, after a 15-year-old boy brought a toy gun onto the school grounds.

Police arrived to the grounds and arrested the boy for possession of an imitation firearm and is currently assisting police with their inquiries.

Police said the school activated its emergency management plan, and there was no threat to the school community.

A parent whose child was at the school during the incident said “a kid at out our school threatened to shoot it up. He just ended up having a bb gun though”.

The parent claims they tried to ring the school but the phone message said “no one is able to answer due to an emergency”.

They allege that some teachers didn’t know about the lock down due to speakers around the school not working.

“The teachers found out cause kids texted other kids,” they said.

“I’m happy that all is good, however it’s just highlighted that some speakers are not working in the school.”

St Francis Xavier College principal Mr Vincent Feeney said the police commended the college for the way in which the situation was handled.

“Our safety culture was clearly evident today when a potential safety risk was raised with members of staff,” he said.

“Staff responded as they had been trained, and the matter was addressed in a very calm manner.”

As this is now a police matter, the school was unable to release any further information.

“We can confirm that no students or staff were in any physical danger and that appropriate support services have been made available.”

The investigation is ongoing.