Lockdown
A lockdown is used to safeguard staff, students and other occupants when when there is an immediate threat within the building and evacuation is not possible. Such a threat could be an intruder or active shooter.
A lockdown minimises access to the school and secures staff and students in rooms. In the event an emergency situation requires a lockdown, the Chief Warden will lock down some or all buildings on campus, depending on the nature of the emergency.
Raising the alarm
Staff who identify a potential emergency situation requiring lockdown must notify a member of the Executive team by dialling ext. 800 or contacting any sub school reception.
Responding to a lockdown alarm
- Move to the nearest classroom (or other lockable indoor area) and lock the door and windows. If possible, available wardens and staff should check their immediate vicinity and assist other staff.
- External building doors must be locked when all individuals in the local vicinity are inside. This should be completed by a nominated warden or staff member who is not responsible for student care at the time.
- If in class, occupants will stay in the current classroom and lock the doors and windows.
- If out of class or outdoors (such as during class transition, recess or lunch), staff, students, contractors and visitors will move to the closest, securable room, ensuring they proceed to these areas in an orderly and calm manner.
- The room door must be closed and, if possible, locked. Where there is imminent threat of danger (e.g. a gunman on College grounds) it may be appropriate to barricade the door with desks or other equipment. Please refer to Code BLACK – Active Shooter for further details.
- If possible, close windows, blinds and shutters. Turn off lights. Keep all people close to the ground (e.g. on the floor) away from windows and doors.
- Where possible, a record should be made of all people in the classroom.
- Students and staff should be encouraged to remain calm and quiet. No mobile phones are to be used; all mobile phones should be turned off.
- If someone needs to use the toilet, consider using a plastic lined bin and screening off an area for privacy.
- Occupants must remain where they are and not move around or leave the building. Any person who refuses to cooperate should be encouraged to but not forced to comply. The Chief Warden should be notified as soon as it is safe to do so.
All clear
All persons should keep a low profile, stay out of sight and away from windows until the “All Clear” is given. Students and staff should stay where they are until official notification is provided by the Chief Warden or an identified police officer that the lockdown is over.
Reporting
An incident that requires the school to be locked down is a Reportable Incident (per Standard 7 of the Registration Standards for Non-Government Schools) and must be reported as such to the Director General of the Department of Education (via Non-Government School Registration).
Warden procedures
Chief Warden
- Notify the Police by dialling 000 and request assistance.
- Activate the Lockdown alarm.
- Assign Wardens to immediately lock all entrances to the buildings / facility (if safe to do so).
- Notify Management if they are not already aware of the situation.
- Keep occupants in the area away from windows.
- Hand over operations to the Emergency Services on arrival.
- When the situation is over, initiate the “All Clear” alarm.
- Notify parents as required and in conjunction with the Police.
Area Wardens and Wardens
Area Wardens and Wardens will assist other staff with the lockdown process where possible. However, due to the restriction in movement during a lockdown, this assistance may be limited.