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Community and religious leaders have strongly condemned the use of Glenhaven Secondary in Verulam, allegedly as a slaughter site and temporary accommodation over the Easter weekend, after congregants reportedly turned classrooms into makeshift sleeping quarters.

According to the Rising Sun, the incident has sparked anger and concern among Brindhaven residents, who fear the school may not be ready to welcome pupils for the first day of term two. According to sources, an estimated 400 people arrived at the school from Thursday for what has been described as a ‘traditional Easter gathering’.

Allegations of misuse

Community members allege that classrooms were used to house congregants, while livestock was slaughtered on the school premises during the event. The aftermath has left residents outraged, with many describing the condition of the school as shocking, unhygienic and completely unsuitable for a learning environment.

Ward councillor Johnson Chetty said he was first alerted on Friday to what he described as a ‘mass movement of people’ entering the school property. He later returned to the site on Sunday with members of the community policing forum, neighbourhood watch and the Brindhaven Civic Association to inspect the premises. Chetty said by the time they arrived, the last of the congregants were leaving, but what they discovered inside the school was deeply disturbing.

“The school was left in a total shambolic state. It was extremely unhygienic, with overflowing fluids, litter scattered all over, a severe infestation of flies, blocked sewer lines, broken windows, overflowing bins, and even animal remains, including bones, a skull and the skin of a slaughtered cow,” he told the Rising Sun.

‘Totally unacceptable’

He described the situation as ‘totally unacceptable’, saying a public school should never be used in this manner.

“A school is a place of learning. It is not a hotel, a resort, or a venue for mass accommodation. It is simply not suitable for housing large groups of people, especially when there are no proper facilities to support that kind of gathering,” said Chetty.

He added that while emergency situations such as floods may justify the temporary use of public buildings, a planned event of this nature should never have been allowed to take place at a school.

“People have every right to practice their religious beliefs, but that cannot happen at the expense of residents’ rights to privacy, peace, and a safe environment. A gathering like this should take place at a venue that is appropriate for its intended purpose – not at a public school in a residential area,” he said.

Health concerns raised

Residents have also voiced concern over the health risks posed by the conditions allegedly left behind, particularly after reports of animal blood, waste and pests on the property. Many parents are now questioning whether the school will be properly cleaned and restored before pupils return to class.

Chetty had repeatedly attempted to contact the school principal but received no response. He said he was, however, able to speak to the chairperson of the school governing body, who allegedly confirmed that permission had been granted for the gathering. Chetty confirmed that he has since lodged a formal complaint with the relevant education authorities, calling for accountability and urgent intervention.

“This matter must be addressed immediately to prevent a recurrence, and most importantly, to ensure that the school is made safe, clean, and conducive for learning,” he said.

As frustration grows in the community, residents are now demanding answers over how the event was allowed to take place at a public school, and whether any regulations were breached in the process.

The deputy principal of Glenhaven Secondary School declined to comment on the matter, citing that an investigation is being conducted by the department, and once the investigation is concluded, a response will be relayed.

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