Accused attended safety workshop
THE boy accused of stabbing a schoolgirl in Caboolture attended a student safety workshop the day before the incident.
The 16-year-old student was charged with attempted murder after a schoolgirl was stabbed repeatedly at Caboolture's St Columban's College on Wednesday.
Students were involved in a safety session on how to avoid and recognise risks in the schoolyard the day before the stabbing.
Brisbane Catholic Education communications officer John Phelan said the session was part of the school's student protection policy.
"We offer students comprehensive pastoral care and counselling, as well as workshops to inform students how to avoid risky behaviour, and to identify risks in and out of school," Mr Phelan said.
"Safety and security is a high priority."
The 14-year-old victim was stabbed in the head, neck and back while participating in early morning sports.
The two students were not believed to be connected before the incident.
The male student handed himself in at Caboolture police station shortly after the attack, and was charged later.
He appeared before Caboolture Magistrates Court yesterday morning.
Barrister Kristy Crabb made a statement on behalf of the boy's parents.
"As the parents of the young man in custody, we wish to express our deepest sympathies to the young lady involved and her parents, her family and her friends," Ms Crabb said.
"This has been as much a shock to us as it has been to everyone else.
"We love our son with everything we've got and he has our full support."
Mr Phelan said the school had a complete ban on weapons, including knives.
He said knives were used at the school only for home economics, woodwork and art.
"We have the same weapons police as the state and independent schools and this has always been the case," Mr Phelan said.
"We do not accept students bringing weapons to school and any student caught would face immediate suspension and in some cases police would be called."
He said Catholic, state and independent education practices and policies were being reviewed across the state, including the weapons and knives policy.
The victim was treated at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and was recovering at home.
