Ayoung student has been suspended after bringing a knife to a Mount Gambier school last week.


The incident prompted the Mount Gambier North Primary School to be locked down, after staff became aware the student had a knife in his bag.


A Department for Education spokesperson said the department was working with the school “to support this school and its management of this student, who has complex needs, and his family”.


“There have been a significant number of behavioural incidents this year at the school involving this student, and the department is aware that on Monday staff became aware the student had a knife in his bag,” the spokesperson said.


“The bag was confiscated, and as a result the student became upset and behaved inappropriately.


The student’s family and police were contacted.


“As a consequence of this behaviour, the student has been suspended.


“A safety plan will be put in place.


“The school continues to work closely with parents to best meet the needs of the individual student, and support their learning and wellbeing, as well as ensuring the safety of the wider school community.


“The department will continue providing management guidance and welfare support to the school and its staff.


The school takes seriously its responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff and all students at the school and have acted to ensure safety for everyone.”


The spokesperson said the department would continue to provide appropriate support and communication to the wider school community.