Man charged after Keysborough Secondary College principal stabbed
Parent Liz Tsareva said she could barely sleep after Tuesday’s alleged stabbing.Credit: Simon Schluter
He was due to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Parent Liz Tsareva said her husband came to pick up their son from school but said the young boy was hiding under a table. He said he barely slept that night.
“Another teacher with a knife is here… this is terrible. Children should be safe at school,” Tsareva said. “I think the school needs to solve this problem.”
Another parent, Doris Anati, said she was scared after her daughter told her about the isolation.
“I feel comfortable knowing that no outsiders are coming into the school right now,” Anati said as she left school Wednesday.
Parent Doris Anati leaving school Wednesday morning.Credit: Simon Schluter
The university’s Acacia campus on Isaac Road in Keysborough was locked down shortly before the end of the school day on Tuesday.
Advanced life support and mobile intensive care paramedics arrived at the university within five minutes and transported two men to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Acacia Campus principal Natalie Fode said in a letter to families that Sykes “is doing well and in good spirits considering the circumstances.”
“The alleged perpetrator is with the police and will not be returning to school at any stage,” Fode wrote in his letter.
“Violence of any kind is completely unacceptable at our school. We are proud of the safe and supportive culture that is the norm at our school.
“I want to assure you that the health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.”
A staff briefing was held Thursday morning and medical staff were on campus.Credit: Simon Schluter
A staff briefing was held on Wednesday morning and medical staff are on hand to support students and teachers.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the incident as “incredibly saddening”.
“It’s appalling that this could happen in any workplace, but it’s utterly appalling that it could happen in a school,” Allan said.
“Police are investigating why this incident happened.
“I know that the particular focus today is on supporting the well-being of teachers, staff and students at this school.”
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