Eye out for vandals

By Kath Gannaway
A parent discovered the wall of the gymnasium and the basketball court covered with anatomical symbols and tags on Sunday morning, 17 October.
Assistant principal Julie Kugler said vandalism, including alcohol bottles smashed on the basketball courts, was distressing to the teachers, staff and students and cost the school thousands of dollars each year.
“Having this removed cost $600, which is a lot of fund-raising money.
“We are coming into the season now where we get a lot more vandalism in the school and it’s money that we could be spending on other things,” she said.
Ms Kugler said the school was a popular place for local parents and children.
“Because it is a community space people are allowed to play on the playground equipment and the basketball court and you will often see families enjoying the facilities.”
She said while it was important that the local community be able to use the school grounds for recreation out of school hours, that opportunity could be put at risk by increasing vandalism.
Police took photos of the graffiti and are investigating, but Ms Kugler has also put out a call to anyone who saw anyone in the grounds on the weekend of 16 and 17 October, or who may have any information which could help police.
“We get a lot of traffic past the school and we are also asking people to keep an eye out and to call police if they notice anything suspicious.”
Anyone with information can call Healesville Police on 5962 4422. To report an incident, phone Triple-0.