Ocean Reef Primary School closed today following extensive overnight vandalism

UPDATE 4.30pm: The principal of vandalised Ocean Reef Primary School has heaped praise on the community.

Peter Blackwell said the school received many offers of support after it was forced to close for the day when windows, two microwaves and electronic whiteboards were smashed in the early hours.

He said the school community was “fabulous” after having to make alternative arrangements for children at short notice.

“The community was awesome today,” he said.

Mr Blackwell said glaziers and cleaners had been at the school today and the Education Department would on Monday further assess damage and what needed replacing.

Several computer screens were smashed.

“We will start replacing equipment as soon as we can source it,” he said.

P&C president Kat Backhouse said there had been many offers of help after she had helped get the message out to parents that the school would be closed for the day.

“It will take a while to replace three smart whiteboards destroyed,” she said.

EARLIER: Ocean Reef Primary School will be closed today after vandals damaged the school overnight, littering bottles across the grounds and smashing equipment.

Between 11.45pm and 2am, offenders gained entry to the school and caused extensive damage to windows, doors, computers, interactive smart televisions, microwaves and a fish tank.

The damage to the school is estimated to be about $100,000.Three juveniles have been located by police and inquiries are ongoing.

It is understood the principal was informed early this morning and the Department of Education is currently making arrangements for children who are unable to make alternative arrangements.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.