A trouble-plagued school in WA's North West has plunged further into crisis with the school continually forced into lock down because teachers have been intimidated and physically threatened by students.
Hedland Senior High School was thrust into the spotlight last month, when it went into lock down after a 14-year-old student allegedly used a hammer to smash windows and damage laptops.
In May, school principal Kelly Summers was captured on a mobile phone being shoved to the ground by one of the female students.
A week after the incident, a 12-year-old boy was charged and suspended from the school over allegations he attacked two teachers.
It's understood the teachers suffered minor injuries.
Now the Education Department has released data to WAtoday which reveals the school has been locked down on five separate occasions up until August 7 this year because of verbal, physical and intimidating threats to teachers and students and at least one occasion when a suspicious item was found on the school grounds.
The school was locked down just once in 2016.
The school also appears to battling a major drug problem, with eight students suspended for possession, use or supply of substances so far this year.
Misbehaviour in the classroom is also rife with a staggering 130 students suspended for violating the school's code of conduct for unacceptable behaviour, while eight students were suspended for the possession, use or supply of drugs.
Education Department deputy director-general Stephen Baxter said the behaviour by some of the students was "unacceptable".
"Students should be able to go to school and learn without interruption in a safe environment," he told WAtoday.
"The school has started the new semester in July with additional staff members, including those who have specialist skills in dealing with students who have complex social and behavioural needs.
"Additional funding has been provided by the department so the school can have a full-time psychologist to support students and staff.
"The school continues to work very closely with local police and other government agencies."
Mr Baxter said a police officer and community relations officer would "maintain a presence" at the school over the next few months to support staff and students.
"The efforts of the school are already showing positive results, with the number of student suspensions in the first four weeks of this term markedly less than in the same period in the first two terms of the year," he said.
State School Teachers' Union president Pat Byrne said she was aware of the issues at the school, but hadn't been contacted by any teachers concerned about their safety.
"With this in mind, the SSTUWA has been liaising closely with the Department of Education, the school Principal, and teaching staff in order to ensure a safe working and learning environment," she said.
