POLICY SPOTLIGHT
EXCURSION POLICY CHANGES regarding Use of Train Services
Dear Parent/Guardian,
I am writing to inform you that, following the tragic death of a young person in our community last week at Mernda Train Station during peak hour, the College leadership team has made the decision to implement additional measures to mitigate safety risks associated with school- organised excursions in 2026.
Effective immediately, no school-based excursions are to involve the use of train transportation. This includes meeting at or disembarking from any train station .
This decision has been made in response to the increasing number of incidents occurring on trains and at train stations.
As a College, we believe it is important to take proactive steps to minimise risks to our students at this difficult time. We also believe that our families will understand and support this precautionary approach.
This matter will be included on the agenda for final approval at the School Council meeting on 17 March 2026. The College Excursion policy change will be reviewed at the beginning of 2027.
In the meantime, this change takes effect from Tuesday 10th March .
Staff will be asked to make alternative arrangements for excursions via alternate transport (including buses, trams and Ubers/Maxi cabs for small groups) where possible or otherwise, cancel the excursion. For VCE students studying external VET courses and for independent excursions in Years 11 & 12, we will be writing to senior school families to strongly recommend that students avoid train transportation and seek alternative methods of travel to attend to their vocational studies.
We will always prioritise student and staff safety at the College.
Regards
Bill Panas College Principal
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