After an assault and threat in the schoolyard last week, primary school ‘t Vierspan has tightened up its security. The school has also planned a meeting for parents this afternoon. “I want to give all parents the opportunity to discuss it with each other, with the help of experts,” says director Durk Stoker.
During the autumn break last week, a 24-year-old confused man walked into the schoolyard with a knife. He threatened several playing children. The 12 year old Norah was also beaten by the man. This event has stirred up a lot at the primary school and in the neighbourhood. The children have been back to school since yesterday.
The first day of school went well, according to the principal. “We had prepared it well, so it went very well,” says Stoker. “The conversations with children also went well. It is admirable to see how some children have dealt with it. That we are also back to school.”
For the foreseeable future, ‘t Vierspan will in any case keep the door locked during school hours, so that the children can feel safer in the school building. In addition, the municipality has hired a security guard to keep an eye on the street.
“That helps to reassure the parents and children,” says the director. “But of course it is not a long-term solution. I have to ensure a safe climate at the school. We have to see how we can go back to the way it was.”
Meeting
The school has scheduled a meeting to answer all questions from parents and to discuss the threat and abuse of last week. The school has invited all parents. The meeting starts this afternoon at 5:00 PM.
“Last week’s situation made a huge impression on parents and children. I therefore want to give them the opportunity to come together, to discuss it with each other,” explains the director of the primary school.
For example, the parents are told how to deal with the questions that children ask about last week’s situation. ‘t Vierspan has enlisted help from the GGD and the municipality of Stede Broec.
“It’s not my field, so bring in experts,” says director Stoker. “We have to help the parents and children to deal with this properly. With the experts we can give them tools to guide the children in this.”