Vandal raid stuns school

By Kath Gannaway
AN attack on the Life Education mobile learning centre at Healesville Primary School has shocked the school and the community.
Healesville police are investigating the theft and vandalism between 3 and September.
The Life Education program which provides specialist, preventative drug and health education to all children in primary schools, has been run at Healesville for close to two decades.
The program was cut short after equipment, including a computer and projector, were stolen and the van exterior defaced with spray paint.
The school, the Lions Club, which in 2008 raised $15,000 for Life Education through a community fundraising campaign, Life Education Victoria and local police have expressed disappointment such a worthwhile program should be targeted.
A school spokesperson said three classes missed out on the program.
“It is such a senseless act on what is such a valuable commodity for our students and our teachers,” she said.
Life Education CEO Ann Hudson said thefts from Life Education mobile learning centres were rare.
“This is probably the worse defacing of a van and stealing of equipment we have seen,” she said.
“If it had just been the equipment, we could have replaced it immediately, but we had to remove the van to clean the paint off.”
Ms Hudson said it was fortunate a spare van was able to be brought in to continue the program at the next school.
“It is very disappointing for the children at Healesville who have missed out,” she said.
Lions club secretary Paul Walker said it was disappointing for the community, and for the club members who had worked hard to do their bit to ensure students in Yarra Ranges continued to receive the benefit Life Education offers.
“It’s the kids who miss out,” he said.
Sgt Wayne Wilson of Healesville police said “it’s a pretty sad person who feels the need to target a program like this at a primary school.”
Healesville police want to hear from anyone who has information about the incident, or who saw anyone at the school over the weekend.
Police can be contacted on 5962 4422 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.