Schools top of shame list

A SOUTH Cairns high school has topped the list of worst behaved schools in Far North Queensland.

Bentley Park College recorded 1904 disciplinary absences this year, despite having a student population of 1564, more than one for each enrolled student.

Overall, absences for disciplinary reasons across Far Northern schools were up 420 during 2018 from 14,577 in 2017 to 14,997, according to Department of Education figures.

Trinity Bay State High School at Manunda recorded 1635.5 disciplinary absences, almost one for each of the 1699 students enrolled.

Woree State High School was third with 1296 absences and Tagai State College in Cape York recorded 956.

A Bentley Park College spokeswoman said she could not comment on the figures for the school.

Georgetown, Millaa Millaa and Walkamin state schools all recorded the least disciplinary absences with just one at each school during 2018.

A disciplinary absence is defined as either a short suspension, long suspension or recommendation for exclusion.

In September, police were called to a brawl outside Bentley Park College but the incident was not investigated further.

At the time a Department of Education spokeswoman said “Queensland state schools, including Bentley Park College, do not tolerate violence of any kind”.

“All students involved in these incidents are dealt with in line with the school’s Responsible Behaviour Plan,” she said.

Queensland state schools are require to have in place Responsible Behaviour Plans for students. The plan is developed in consultation with the school community, and clearly outlines possible consequences that may be taken by the school in response to unacceptable behaviour by students.