A group of vandals caused damages worth $40,000 in a school in Queensland.
"There's just no need for this type of behaviour"
The students and faculty of Eastern Hills Senior High School in Mount Helena were crushed when they saw what happened to their beloved school.
More than 200 windows were smashed, and their gymnasium, basketball courts, drama area, and a number of other buildings were flooded after vandals savagely destroyed their school.
More than 40% of the school was destroyed, and a number of computers were also ruined, according to police.
Jeff Taylor, the police officer in charge, added: "This is just mindless, senseless vandalism. There's just no need for this type of behaviour."
A combined effort
Currently, builders, school staff, and cleaners are working hard to get the school cleaned up and fixing all the damage that the vandals have wrought.
The depressing images show food and paint strewn all over the walls of the school. A number of water taps were also turned on, which caused widespread water damage to various buildings. Investigators think that the vandals used water hoses to flood several buildings.
The team that's doing the repairs also roped off any unsafe areas where there might be electricity. Officials of the school are also exploring a modified program for the students.
Very unusual
Jim Webb, the Education Department regional executive director, said that the incident was unusual since the school never had a history of vandalism. He also added that the police will be investigating CCTV footage to find the culprits.
According to Ian Dorrington, grandfather of two of the students in the school: "It's absolutely terrible because at the end of the day, it's the taxpayer that's got to pick up the bill ... it's disgusting really."
He also said that his granddaughters were saddened about what happened. He adds, "I think they're still in a bit of shock. They're probably happy to have the day off but they're sad too, because they love the school," Mr Dorrington said.
Preventing vandalism
Vandalism, most especially in public schools, is not only a problem for the school, but it's also a concern for taxpayers. That is why it's very important to instill a sense of community for the students of the school. When they feel that the school is an important part of their lives, they will be less likely to commit such acts.
It's also important to create a positive environment in school, as well as at home. Studies have shown that a positive environment not only reduces cases of vandalism, but it also promotes better performance among students of the school.
If your child's school is struggling to handle attacks from vandals or unruly students, then you can engage the community to start enacting projects to promote positivity and productivity. Building a bond between students, members of the community, and educators will ensure that cases of vandalism are prevented. Extra-curricular activities are also a good way of keeping kids productive and busy.
Sources: Yahoo Australia, abc.net.au, NCBI
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