Melee at high school

By Lia Bichel
POLICE were called to an altercation at Dandenong High School last week that has left some students facing possible expulsion.
The Department of Education praised principal Martin Culkin for his quick action and student reprimands after the incident.
Mr Culkin did not reveal details surrounding the situation, but said it wasn’t a brawl, rather an altercation that erupted after school hours on Wednesday. It occurred both on school property and off it.
Mr Culkin said when staff learned of the incident, immediate action was taken. He said staff thought it was appropriate that police were called to mediate the situation and the situation was quickly contained.
“We have a normal procedure we follow. We have a zero tolerance attitude towards violence at the school,” he said.
“There is very rarely violence. It is a peaceful school; however, this is certainly a matter to be concerned about.”
“He is an excellent teacher and we support his actions,” a spokesperson from the Department of Education told the Star. Mr Culkin said he might seek meetings with some of the parents of the students involved, and some of the students might be expelled.