Teenager in Youth Court after school lockdown

A teenager has appeared in Youth Court following an incident that forced Wellington High School into lockdown for an hour yesterday morning.

Police received a ‘‘credible threat’’ against the school and it went into lockdown about 8.30am.

The teen appeared before Chief Youth Court Judge John Walker yesterday afternoon, charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition, and was remanded in custody until today.

No application for bail was made, and the youth will be held at a Child, Youth and Family secure residence.

Police said another youth would be referred to Youth Aid.

Wellington High School principal Dominic Killalea confirmed they were informed at 8.30am by police that a credible threat had been made against the school.

He said it was a difficult time as students were either at, or arriving at, class.

The external doors were locked although teachers were stationed at the doors to take students who were still arriving to class.

He said the students stayed calm throughout the event and co-operated with staff.

Senior students who were sitting exams during the lockdown would be able to apply for a derived grade if the situation had affected their performance, although the school tried to protect students in the exam room from that information.

Parent Mel Burgess, who has a child in year 10 at the school, said there was a moment of ‘‘eekness’’ when the notification popped up on her phone saying the school was in lockdown.

But there was clear communication from the school through its app, Facebook and email.

She said students in her son’s class had remained calm.

A second parent, Tere Harrison, said her first reaction was panic but messages from the school were clear, including that everyone was safe.

‘‘That helped ease my anguish.’’ Her child then texted her three emojis, a thumbs-up, OK sign and love heart.

‘‘I have never been so happy to read emojis before.’’

The school was put into partial lockdown for about an hour as a precaution.

Police thanked Wellington High School and the wider community for their co-operation while the incident was dealt with.

‘‘We know this incident has been worrying, and we urge anyone with concerns about their safety or the safety of others to speak to police immediately to report it. ’’