Queanbeyan South Public School is closed today (15 September). Photo: Google Maps.
UPDATE Monday, 11:30 am: Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as they investigate the alleged theft of about 80 devices from a regional school.
A NSW Police spokesperson told Region that an alleged break-in at Queanbeyan Public School on Isabella Street occurred between 7 pm last Friday (12 September) and 5 am on Saturday (13 September).
“Officers were told unknown people forced entry into the school through windows, stealing about 80 iPads and laptops,” they said.
“A crime scene was established and investigations have commenced.”
Anyone with information about the incident or dashcam footage of the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.
Monday, 10 am: Some Queanbeyan students have been told to stay home temporarily after an alleged break-in.
Queanbeyan Public School was allegedly broken into over the weekend, causing damage.
In a letter sent to parents, the school said it would be closed on Monday (15 September).
“Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of students and staff,” relieving principal Krystal Webb wrote.
“The site will remain closed [on Monday] while police and department staff carry out the necessary work to secure and assess the premises.”
Families have been asked to keep their kids home, with learning materials to be made available through online platforms.
Students who are unable to stay home can be dropped off at Queanbeyan South Public School (on Cameron Road in Karabar).
Some Queanbeyan Public staff will be there to look after any students, and kids will need to be signed in and collected by a parent or carer.
No school buses will operate to Queanbeyan South.
“We understand this temporary closure may cause inconvenience for families and appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the school is safe and ready to welcome students back,” wrote Ms Webb.
The school’s Camp Australia before and after-school care are also closed until further notice.
Meanwhile, the school’s P&C also said its upcoming meeting had been rescheduled to next Monday (22 September).
In a statement, Member for Monaro Steve Whan said news of the alleged break-in was disheartening.
“This is disgusting,” he said.
“The Queanbeyan community deserves better than this. To vandalise a public asset in this way is outrageous.”
Mr Whan also said the hope was that students would be able to return to their school tomorrow (16 September).
In the letter, Queanbeyan Public School told parents that an update would be given this afternoon through the Sentral Parent Portal and email.
Ms Webb also said the school can be contacted by calling 02 6297 2144 or by emailing [email protected] with any urgent questions.
Original Article published by Claire Sams on Region Canberra.
