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Leaked school letter ignites junk food row

'No evidence' of junk food searches

The Department of Education has denied claims students’ bags were to be searched as part of a push to ban junk food at Lockridge Senior High School.

In a letter addressed to parents which was leaked to the media today, it was suggested children would have junk food, including lollies, chocolates and potato chips, confiscated if they were brought to school.

“These foods will not be returned to the student until the end of the school day. If your child has chosen to make inappropriate food choices for their lunch they will not be provided with an alternative,” the letter read.

The letter was followed by claims made to 6PR radio that students had already been told their bags could be searched for junk food.

But, acting deputy director general of schools Lindsay Hale said the letter was understood to be a draft, which was sent to only a few people for feedback on the issue.

He said there was no evidence students’ bags were to be searched.

“School staff can do that where there is a strong suspicion of serious risk, such as weapons or drugs, but you wouldn’t do it for an energy drink or a bar of chocolate,” he said.

In a statement this morning, the Department said it backed the school’s push towards healthier eating and restricting junk foods and energy drinks.

Mr Hale said it was reasonable for the school to consider banning food and drinks which could affect student behaviour.

Western Australian Council of State School Organisations president Kylie Catto told 6PR radio children should not have food confiscated and parents should instead be educated on the importance of healthy eating.

“Confiscation is not the answer, I don’t believe in any situation," he said.

"What’s going to happen? A school will take food from a student’s bag, are they going to provide an alternative or will the student starve through the day?”