School defends response after boy stabbed on campus
A school has defended its handling of a stabbing that left a teenage boy fighting for his life after parents raised concerns about communication during the emergency.
A 17-year-old boy suffered life-threatening injuries following an alleged altercation at the Islamic College of Brisbane on Tuesday.
Police said the incident involved two teenagers who knew each other at the school in Karawatha, south of Brisbane, at about 11.45am.
A 16-year-old boy will allegedly stab a 17-year-old boy from Logan with a small knife, causing life-threatening injuries.
The injured child was treated at the scene before being taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Police allege the 16-year-old boy left the scene and was later found in a vehicle about 5 km away.
The suspect is expected to appear in Richlands Juvenile Court on Wednesday on charges of acts intended to maim, disfigure or maim and unlawful possession of a weapon.
The alleged attack is the second stabbing at a Queensland high school in as many days.
In a message to parents and carers on social media, Brisbane Islamic College said the injured student was “receiving medical care” and “recovering” and there was no ongoing risk to students or staff.
The school acknowledged the incident was “distressing” for the community and said extra medical staff and counselors would be on campus and classes would continue as normal on Wednesday.
The statement also said many parents were asking why communication was limited during the incident and urged families not to comment on speculation on social media, warning that misinformation could cause “unnecessary distress”.
“In emergencies such as lockdowns and major events, the college follows established emergency management protocols and works closely with Queensland Police and other emergency services,” the social media statement said.
”All communications during these events are made in consultation with the relevant authorities to ensure that they do not compromise the safety of students, staff, emergency responders or the integrity of the police investigation.
”Parents were informed as soon as the college received permission to communicate from the relevant authorities.”
The college said the safety and well-being of students “will always remain our top priority” and promised to keep families updated as verified information becomes available.
The alleged stabbing came a day after a separate incident at Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns.
There, a 15-year-old boy who was injured in the abdominal area during an argument at around 11:40 a.m. on Monday was hospitalized in stable condition.
Another 15-year-old boy allegedly fled on foot and was found nearby about half an hour later.
