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Gardai probe ‘boy with knife’ incident at city school

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Gardai are investigating an incident in which a sixth class pupil in a city primary school was caught with a knife in the yard at lunchtime, the Galway City Tribune has learned.

Nobody was harmed in the incident at Scoil Chaitríona in Renmore last Friday week, and the boy concerned was immediately suspended.

Gardaí were contacted, and principal Marianne Brady wrote to parents of children attending the school, alerting them to what happened and attempting to reassure them of their safety.

A series of professional bodies have also been contacted for advice on dealing with the incident.

According the letter – which has been seen by this newspaper – the knife was spotted in the boy’s back pocket during some horseplay.

“The incident in question involved apparent ‘tickling/messing’ between a small number of boys and during this apparent interaction, a knife was seen in the rear pocket of one of the boys.

“Another boy immediately alerted one of the supervisors, at which point the boy took it out of his pocket, dropped it and ran into the toilet.

“It was reported to myself at this stage, and I immediately checked with the supervising staff on duty in the yard, that all children and staff were safe and unhurt. I, in the company of a member of staff, went to deal with the child who had the knife in the yard.

“As it transpired, the Chairperson of the Board of Management was in the school, and action under the Child Protection Policy was immediately initiated. The parents of the boys immediately involved were contacted, as were the Gardaí, who arrived swiftly.

“In accordance with our Child Protection Policy, this matter has been referred to the HSE and the child who had the knife was suspended with immediate effect and remains so.

“As an incident such as this is highly unusual, advice had been taken from associated professional bodies, i.e. the Catholic Primary Schools’ Management Association, the National Educational Psychological Service, the Irish Primary Principals’ Network, the Gardaí and the HSE, in order to ensure that the matter is being investigated efficiently, effectively and appropriately having due regard to the school’s responsibility for all parties involved, mindful of their ages, general conduct, history in the school and all related matters. Arrangements are currently in progress addressing any concerns of children in the affected classes.

“I wish to assure you that the matter is fully in hand and that the safety and welfare of all children and staff alike is, and always has been, our primary concern.

“The Board, staff and I all share in your concern over the matter and I very much appreciate your understanding, forbearance and compassion in this matter in order to allow us undertake the necessary investigations and associated referrals,” said Ms Brady.

Gardai confirmed to this newspaper that an incident was reported, and is under investigation.

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