Security guard stationed at Lyneham High School 'until further notice' after lockdown scare

Lyneham High School went into lockdown yesterday for the second time in four months. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.

A security guard will be stationed at Lyneham High School “until further notice” after it was sent into lockdown yesterday (5 November) for the second time in four months.

According to an email sent to parents and carers, the school went into a precautionary lockdown after several students entered the grounds in a “heightened” state and used threatening behaviour.

Police were called, and the lockdown was lifted shortly afterwards.

In the email, principal Jacqui Ford said police were able to quickly bring the situation under control and nobody was hurt.

Ms Ford offered assurance that “this type of behaviour is not tolerated at [the] school”, and she said she was working with the ACT Education Directorate and the families of the students involved.

Students and visitors were asked to enter and exit the school using the front door only as “all other entrances will be locked”.

It’s the second lockdown at the school in four months and the third time police have confirmed they are investigating a security incident on campus.

On 7 June, ACT Policing began an investigation after a taser was discovered on school grounds. It was quickly confiscated by staff.

On 30 July, the school was sent into lockdown after police said a “suspicious person” allegedly carried a fake gun onto the campus.

In a statement, an ACT Education Directorate spokesperson confirmed a security guard will be stationed at the front of the school from 8:30 am to 4 pm “until further notice”.

“Lockdowns are a practice used proactively by schools to help manage situations quickly and safely,” the spokesperson said.

“They are enacted to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff and provide rapid communication to our community. The ACT Education Directorate is working with Lyneham High School on an appropriate ongoing response to this incident.”

The directorate said families can expect to be updated on next steps “shortly”.