THE father of a teenage boy allegedly assaulted at an Ellenbrook shopping centre on April 2 says the issue is a societal problem and not the fault of one school.

On Wednesday, the father whose son attends Aveley Secondary College told Echo News that “as a community we have to stand up” and call for solutions “but we can’t blame the individual school’’.

He also said he had not been contacted by Education Minister Sabine Winton but he would appreciate a call.

In contrast, following a separate incident involving the alleged assault and hospitalisation of an eight-year-old child from a primary school in High Wycombe, Ms Winton confirmed in state Parliament on Wednesday that she had spoken to the younger child’s parents.

Ms Winton said she was very comforted by the fact that they were absolutely satisfied with the school’s response and with the supports that they were getting.

“Interestingly, they seem more interested in finding solutions to what is happening in our schools and providing constructive ways in which we can support our schools – not only for (their own child), but those parents are also interested in the kids that are perpetrating the violence.

“It is such a refreshing approach to have people meet with me and come up with solutions.’’

Midland detectives are still investigating the alleged serious assault of the Aveley SC student, which happened about 4.20pm last Wednesday, when he was approached by a group of juveniles known to him.

The teenager received serious facial injuries as a result and was conveyed by St John WA to Perth Children’s Hospital for treatment.

The 14-year-old’s father said to see his son unconscious in the Ellenbrook Central shopping centre and to see him undergo an operation and seizures had been very difficult.

The father said his son’s jaw had been broken in two places and that during an operation on Friday two plates and eight screws had been inserted and part of his jaw wired to keep it together.

WA Police said a 15-year-old male was arrested and charged with one count of acts intended to cause harm or endanger the life, health or safety of any person.

He is due to appear before the Perth Children’s Court on Wednesday, April 23.

The father said he had heard a meeting had been held including principals, police, shopping centre management from Ellenbrook and Aveley but he had not been given an update from anyone following the meeting.

On Facebook some people have complained about how bullying was dealt with at Aveley SC, which the 14 and 15-year-old both attend.
A letter from the college principal Stephan Pestana said the incident at the shopping centre involving some young people after school hours was a police matter and that process had to be respected.
“However, I can confirm that the school is taking this matter seriously and has taken strong action with the student,’’ he said.
“This action extends to incidents that occur offsite if there is a connection to the school.

“Students will face strong consequences if they engage in violent or anti-social acts, including loss of good standing, suspensions and in very serious cases recommenced for exclusion from the school.

“I ask all parents and the community work together with the school on this.”

Department of Education schools deputy director general Steve Watson said it was always distressing to hear reports of physical aggression involving school students, especially when a young person was injured.

Mr Watson said the department would not back down on addressing violence within schools and took decisive action following a serious incident.

“This action reinforces clear boundaries with students and their families, outlining expectations for acceptable behaviour and consequences for unacceptable behaviour,’’ he said.

“Since 2018, both the state government and Department of Education have made expectations very clear through the let’s take a stand together action plan to address violence in public schools and support schools to take a very strong stance.

“This issue doesn’t just fall on to schools, we need the cooperation of families and the wider community.

“We all have a part to play in modelling respectful behaviour and attitudes and contributing to a culture that doesn’t tolerate any form of violence.”