Whanganui’s Cullinane College hit by third vandalism incident in two weeks

Cullinane College principal Tony McBride said the vandalism was "deeply upsetting" and directly affected students' ability to learn. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown

Whanganui’s Cullinane College has been targeted by overnight vandalism, adding to two incidents last week.

The latest incident occurred at 12.34am on Thursday, with several windows damaged and debris scattered on the ground.

Principal Tony McBride said the “severe vandalism” was discovered by a staff member early on Thursday.

The school did not open until 11.40am to enable contractors and staff to clear hazardous debris and ensure the site was safe for students, McBride said.

It was a “deeply upsetting situation”, especially after the school was hit twice last week with damage to two other classrooms.

“These incidents are directly impacting our students’ ability to learn in a peaceful environment.”

Police deployed a dog unit and found two youths in relation to the incident. One was assessed by an ambulance crew after a dog bite.

Two more youths were later found. All four were spoken to and released to caregivers, police said.

McBride said the college was grateful for the quick response from police.

“Leadership is focused on supporting students through any frustration or unsettled feelings they may have.”

While “stone and glass can be broken”, the school’s spirit and mission remained intact, he said.

“We are a school set apart for growth and truth. We pray for those responsible, that they may understand the value of the community they have wounded, and we ask for the strength to be a people of forgiveness rather than revenge.”

Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.