Coolnwynpin state School gets security upgrade after $100,000 damage in 15 months

In January vandals smashed 47 windows at the school, causing $65,000 of damage, while in October 2016 about $40,000 worth of damage was done.

Principal Janet Tucker said the break-ins had more than just a financial impact. 

“While the cost and inconvenience were a burden, it was the emotional impact on students, staff and the school community that was felt the most,” she said.

Ms Tucker said staff had spent days during the holidays setting up classrooms for the start of the first term.

Police said in January windows were smashed in four classrooms, leaving carpets strewn with glass fragments. The incident happened on January 10.

The school completed the clean-up ahead of students returning to school on January 22.

During the earlier incident vandals smashed windows, threw paint, milk, eggs and custard across rooms and left taps running, flooding the school’s outside hours care building. 

Ms Tucker said the additional security would provide more protection throughout the school.

“While we share our space with a wonderful community who keep a very watchful eye on the school, having the upgrade to our alarm system has allowed everyone to feel more confidence in the security of the school,” she said.

Capalaba MP Don Brown said the new system would ensure coverage of all school buildings.

“It will ensure security is tightened leading up to the school holidays,” he said.