Atlantis Beach Baptist College: Threat alarm raised weeks before teen allegedly fired rounds at school

A fortnight before a 15-year-old allegedly fired three shots at his former Two Rocks school, parents were sent a text informing them that access to the college would be restricted for the “safety of our students”. Atlantis Beach Baptist College was sent into lockdown on Wednesday morning after the boy allegedly armed himself with two rifles and fired shots from the carpark – striking a building twice with students and staff inside. The West Australian has obtained a text message that was sent to parents informing them that access to school grounds would be limited to one gate next to the administration office. “Dear parents and guardians, for the safety of our students, access to the College between 8.30am and 3pm will only be granted via the main gates outside administration,” the text message, sent on May 12, read. Atlantis Beach Baptist College was asked why the text was sent but they declined to respond. Security at the school was tight on Friday with staff locking the main gate with a sign telling parents to ring the office to gain entry. Another sign on the school gate read “trespassers will be prosecuted”. Questions directed to the Education Department, the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia, the Director of Non-Government School Regulation and WA Police also went unanswered. There is no basis to suggest that any threats had been received by the school before the message was circulated. The revelation about the text comes after The West revealed on Friday the boy allegedly rang police after he fired the shots stating he intended to kill people and himself. Principals Federation of Western Australia president Bevan Ripp said that if a school had received threats, it would put in place strategies to mitigate any possibility of someone accessing school grounds. “If a school receives a threat . . . the first action is to alert the police,” Mr Ripp said. “They will provide the best advice as to precautionary measures that may be put in place, and they will be on high alert if an incident eventuates. “Secondly, the school, given that it has received notice of a possible critical incident, will put in place measures to lessen the likelihood of an intruder being able to access the school grounds undetected. “These are to lock access gates and to ensure there is only one entry point where visitors can access the school, most likely to a reception area which is constantly staffed.” A student satisfaction survey conducted in 2021 by the College revealed more than 20 per cent of students disagreed that bullying was not tolerated at the school. And about 26 per cent of students only somewhat agreed that they felt respected and supported at the school, with 5.26 per cent disagreeing with that statement. The survey, published in its annual report, also reported about 15 per cent of students, in a sample size of 19, recorded they did not feel happy or safe at the school. The boy charged over the shooting at a school appeared in the Perth Children’s Court on Friday.His lawyer revealed she hadn’t had sufficient opportunity to speak with the boy. The teenager will spend another four days behind bars as his lawyer prepares to apply for his supervised release on bail. The magistrate noted reports will need to be prepared on the suitability of his parents and their home, where it is assumed he will reside while out on bail. The matter was adjourned until Tuesday so those reports can be generated.Atlantis Beach Baptist College was closed on Thursday and reopened on Friday.