Hume Anglican Grammar School has been awarded federal government funding to upgrade security.
Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan announced the funding for the Mickleham school and 53 others at risk of attack, harassment or violence fuelled by racial or religious intolerance.
Principal Bill Sweeney said the school would get $191,200 to upgrade fences, install more lighting near entrances and install an electronic gate that can be closed during school hours.
“We’re an affordable, low-fee school and we rely on support from the federal government and they have been very forthcoming,” he said.
“We need to ensure the school remains safe and secure as we grow. We’re in an isolated area on Mount Ridley, a bit off the beaten track.”
He said the school’s application for funding did not stem from an isolated incident but was purely to keep the school’s infrastructure up to date.
Student numbers have grown about 10 per cent in each of the past three years as the school moves towards a capacity of 1200.
“This funding will supplement our burgeoning infrastructure,” Mr Sweeney said.
Of the 54 schools which received funding for security, 17 were Jewish, 15 were Islamic, 11 were independent and 11 were government schools.
