Aaron Sykes Stabbed — Melbourne High School Locked Down After Violent Incident

Principal of Keysborough Secondary College attacked by colleague; staff member charged — students safe, school reopens after lockdown

The principal of Keysborough Secondary College in Melbourne’s southeast was stabbed by a colleague on Tuesday afternoon, prompting an immediate lockdown of the school. The alleged attacker, a 37-year-old teacher, has been charged and remanded in custody, as the victim recovers at home. According to sources, the stabbing followed the teacher learning his contract would not be renewed — a shocking incident that has shaken the school community.

Key Points

• Principal Aaron Sykes stabbed at Keysborough Secondary College, Melbourne.
• Suspect Kim Ramchen, a teacher, arrested and charged; bail denied.
• Sykes treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released; school reopened.
• Students hid under desks during lockdown; no students harmed.
• Incident follows rising number of weapon-related crimes in Victoria; stricter laws recently introduced.

MELBOURNE (Star Struck Times) — A staff member allegedly stabbed the principal of Keysborough Secondary College around 3 p.m. Tuesday at the school’s Acacia campus, triggering a full-scale lock-down.

Emergency services responded within minutes. The principal, Aaron Sykes, was rushed to hospital with stab wounds described as non–life-threatening; he has since been released and is recovering at home.

The alleged attacker, Kim Ramchen — a 37-year-old teacher from Mulgrave — was arrested at the scene and also taken to hospital under police guard. He has been charged with multiple offences: unlawful assault (x2), intentionally causing injury, assault with a weapon, and recklessly engaging in conduct placing a person in danger of serious injury.

Police said the pair were known to each other. Investigators told the court that Ramchen allegedly walked from his classroom to the kitchen, fetched a 4–inch knife, entered the principal’s office, and stabbed him. After being confronted by staff, he reportedly left the office — prompting lockdown — but returned moments later armed with a larger knife and resumed the attack. He was finally subdued by multiple staff members.

According to court testimony, Ramchen “snapped” after learning his teaching contract would not be renewed for next year. The denial of bail by the magistrate, citing “extreme” risk of re-offending, noted the severity of his actions and the potential for more serious harm if released.

Parents and students described the lockdown as terrifying. A Year-8 student recounted: “We were hiding … it felt scary … I’m shocked.” Another said they thought it was a drill when alarms sounded and teachers shouted “Hide! Hide!”

In a letter to parents, school authorities confirmed no students were involved in the assault. They emphasized that “any form of violence is unacceptable” and assured parents the alleged perpetrator would not return to school grounds. Counsellors were made available for staff and students impacted by the traumatic event.

The violent incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of knife-related crimes in Victoria. Authorities have recently introduced tougher laws — including additional jail time — for offences involving weapons, following a series of violent episodes across the state.

“I was really scared … I called my mum and sister,” said one of the students who hid during the lockdown. Another parent described the morning return to school as “worrying but mostly relief … thank God nothing more serious happened.”

In a statement, Education Minister Ben Carroll confirmed Sykes is back home and recovering. He praised the quick response by school staff and emergency services, and said support — including counselling — had been arranged for students and staff.

As the community reels from the shock, many parents and staff are calling for tighter school-security measures and better mental-health support — arguing that a contract dispute should never escalate into violence. Some are questioning how a teacher obtained knives on campus so easily.

The accused will return to court in early January, while investigations continue. The school reaffirmed its commitment to safety and offered “support to any member of the school community affected by this distressing incident.”

FAQs

Q: Were any students injured in the stabbing?
A: No — police and school authorities confirmed no students were involved or harmed.

Q: What is the current status of the principal?
A: The principal, Aaron Sykes, was treated for stab injuries, has been discharged from hospital, and is recovering at home.

Q: Who has been charged and why?
A: Teacher Kim Ramchen, 37, has been charged with multiple offences including unlawful assault, assault with a weapon, intentionally causing injury and recklessly endangering serious injury. Bail has been denied.

Q: Will the school remain closed after the incident?
A: The school has reopened, with mental-health support staff on-site for students and staff.

Q: Why did this attack happen?
A: Court heard that the accused “snapped” after learning his contract would not be renewed — though a full motive remains under investigation.

Stay tuned for updates as the court process unfolds — and let’s demand better protections for school communities.