SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
(Mark Wilson)
High flyers on show Taking a break from their usual school production, Hillside’s Parkwood Green Primary School pupils are putting themselves on the state stage. A dozen pupils from the school will be part of the State School’s Spectacular later this month, joining with students from around Victoria for a performing arts showcase set to wow audiences. The school’s performing arts facilitator Jacqui Hermina said the pupils were excited to show their skills. “We wanted to offer a different performance opportunity for our students, and the kids had seen this on tv and loved how involved it is,” Ms Hermina said. “It’s a three hour show, and they do two shows on the day, so it’s a big effort for these students to throw themselves into it and get involved.” The school plans to return to its school production next year, but will likely make the school spectacular an ongoing offering for students as well. The State School’s Spectacular will run on September 14, with shows at 1pm and 6.30pm. Tickets https://bit.ly/2NFT1d2 GRADE 6 PUPILS LILA, KIARA AND MIA
Ewen McRae
Student’s knives seized By Ewen McRae Police have confiscated three knives from students at two schools in recent weeks. In each case, a balisong – or butterfly knife with a blunt blade – was confiscated. The knives are commonly used in martial arts training and are often mistaken for toys, but are illegal to carry. Police attended a Caroline Springs school on August 28 after reports of a student carrying one of the knives.
That followed a similar incident at a St Albans school on August 21 in which two students were found to be carrying knives. On each occasion, the knives were surrendered and the students cautioned. Police said the students did not make any threats and no one was injured. Police would not confirm which schools were involved. Police said that while the knives often appeared to be harmless, they were classed as prohibited weapons in Victoria, making
it illegal to possess or carry them without the correct permits. Punishment for possession can range up to two years’ imprisonment. According to the most recent crime statistics, in the year to March, 2019, 405 weapons offences were recorded in Melton. That makes it the second worst year in the past 10 for that crime category, behind only the 449 offences recorded in 2016. Weapons offences have risen steadily in Melton in the past decade, from just 129 recorded in the year to March, 2010.
Three balisong knives have been confiscated from school students. (Supplied)