Carnarvon Community College required police attendance after a primary school student climbed on to roof

A Carnarvon school was placed into lockdown last week after a primary-aged schoolgirl climbed on to a roof armed with sharp kitchen utensils and had to be coaxed down by police.

Police were called to assist in the matter at Carnarvon Community College — an independent public school that teaches students from kindergarten to Year 12 — after it escalated on Thursday.

Carnarvon Police Sgt Lindsay Collett said around mid-morning a situation at the school required police attendance when a student had climbed on to a roof.

Sgt Collett said police helped in removing the student from the roof for her own safety, and the school was put into lockdown as a precaution.

“The student did have an object which was safely removed and then she was escorted off of the roof,” Sgt Collett said.

It’s unclear the exact age of the student.

“Once she was safely off of the roof, she was released into the care of her family and the school resumed their normal routine,” Sgt Collett said.

Police said no one at the school was injured or harmed, and police conducted an interview with the school when the incident was over.

“There were no criminal allegations of any offence,” Sgt Collett said. “Police negotiated with the student prior to jumping on the roof and then she was assisted.”

Department of Education schools deputy director general Melesha Sands said the student lost their temper before school had started and left the building with kitchen utensils.

“A primary school-aged student’s behaviour had escalated during breakfast club last Thursday before school had started,” she said.

“The student grabbed some nearby cutlery during this time and ran out of the building. Police were called to help calm the student and bring the situation under control.

“Students were kept in classrooms as a precaution while the incident was resolved.”

Ms Sands said although the behaviour was unacceptable, schools at times must respond to different behaviours and support students as best they could.

“While this behaviour is unacceptable, young people come to school with a range of needs and challenges,” she said. “Schools do the best they can to support students, however, there needs to be clear consequences when they put themselves or others risk.”

The student was suspended for 10 days.

If you or someone you know are not coping well, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.