Bourke Street attack: Primary school cancels city camp amid 'safety' concerns

A Victorian primary school has canned plans for a camp in Melbourne’s CBD following the deadly Bourke Street terror attack last week.

Healesville Primary, located north-east of the city, took to Facebook to inform parents of students in years five and six of the decision.

“Our advice from the Department of Education, in light of the violent events that occurred in Bourke Street… we have had to cancel the Grade 5/6 City Camp,” the post made on Saturday read.

“This is not a decision taken lightly but the safety of our students is the main priority.”

The school said it would “discuss the next step” this week, but no new date has been set for the trip.

A number of social media users ‘reacted’ negatively to the post, with some posting sad or angry symbols.

The Department of Education (DET) has said Principal Cameron Heath made the decision due to the concerns in the community.

“This decision was made just hours after the exclusion zone was lifted and we still weren’t clear on what exactly had happened and whether there was still any risk,” DET Deputy Secretary for Regional Services Group Bruce Armstrong said in an official statement this morning.

“Regional staff helped the Principal with a risk assessment early on Saturday morning.

“As with all decisions about excursions, the decision to postpone the excursion was taken by the Principal.  

“We’ll work with the school to rearrange the trip and to make sure that no parents are out of pocket.”

Mr Armstrong encouraged people and schools across the state to “go about their lives.”

Australia’s current terror threat level remains unchanged at “probable” despite attack on Bourke Street on Friday afternoon, in which much-loved restaurant co-owner Sisto Malaspina was stabbed to death by Hassan Khalif Shire Ali.

Two others, Tasmanian businessman Rodney Patterson and a security guard, where also injured. The unnamed guard was released from hospital this morning, while Mr Patterson remains in a stable condition following surgery.

Yesterday the attacker’s family released a handwritten note to 9News insisting he was not a terrorist, but a mentally ill man “crying for help”.

READ MORE: Bourke Street attacker's family say he was 'crying for help'