A NEW South Wales Department of Education spokesperson has hit out at reports that Walgett High School is unsafe for teachers and is a breeding ground for "violence and criminal behaviour".
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The comments followed a story by Fairfax Media, which claimed Walgett's only public high school was visited "almost daily" by police.
"Student and staff wellbeing has the highest priority in all NSW government schools, including Walgett Community College," the spokesperson said.
"(Walgett Community College) has a number of proactive programs to support full attendance and positive behaviour by students.
"Police are not at the school 'almost daily'."
A complaint regarding Walgett High School has been made to NSW deputy ombudsman with responsibility for Aboriginal affairs, Danny Lester.
The complaint detailed fights outside the school, described children jumping on and damaging staff vehicles and property and breaches of the school's safety regulations.
The complainant refused to be named because of fears of retribution.
The NSW Department of Education spokesperson said violence and inappropriate behaviour is treated with extreme seriousness at the school.
"No violence is tolerated at the college, and all reported incidents are dealt with according to the college's community-agreed welfare and discipline code," the spokesperson said.
"This includes a wide range of appropriate support and sanctions for students involved.
"The department also has comprehensive support for staff who have been subject to violence or other inappropriate behaviour."
Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries weighed in on the issue, stating that the prevalence of violence at the high school was not as regular as reported.
"I think the issue about the violence is a bit of a cheap shot," Mr Humphries said.
"I don't think it's as prevalent as has been made out."
Mr Humphries acknowledged Walgett High School faces a lot of challenges, but called on the community to support teachers and students.
"It's the most difficult school I have (in the Barwon electorate)," Mr Humphries said.
"Yes there are issues there but they are making a lot of improvements, and a lot of the kids are coming off quite a low base. We need to get the right system in place and remember its all about the kids."
