Knifes in the playground and cases of physical assault have raised alarm bells for schools and the emergency services.
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This is according to the latest report into safety and security incidents by the NSW Department of Education.
The report detailed incidents which occurred in public schools across the Southern Tablelands in the Hume Police District during the latest reporting period of July to December 2018.
The schools were not named in the report due to privacy reasons.
In one incident a student has taken a knife and gone out into the playground.
A staff member tried to call the student back but they wouldn't return.
The student put the knife down and it was later found in the playground.
An ambulance attended and the school was advised to contact the Public Schools NSW director and the parent of the student.
Violence towards students, teachers, principals and parents has also been prevalent in playgrounds.
In one incident, a student became highly agitated in class and began upturning items and verbally abusing their teacher and fellow students.
The principal was advised by the teacher what had occurred. A female parent was advised what had happened and asked to come and collect the young person.
While waiting for female parent to arrive, the principal has gone to playground to collect young person and informed them they were going home.
When the female parent arrived, the young person's behaviour escalated and the mother was physically assaulted. The principal came to the aid of the mother and the school contacted the police and an ambulance.
In another incident, one student punched another student after a dispute about an undisclosed matter.
The victim fell back and sustained injuries.
The school contacted an ambulance and the victim was taken to hospital.
The report also contained an incident of drug usage on school grounds and a case of a prohibited weapon on school grounds.
Southern Highlands Police officer-in-charge Inspector John Klepczarek said compared to schools in the rest of NSW, the number of incidents was relatively low.
"There will always be altercations by students however these incidents are well-managed by the local schools," Inspector Klepczarek said.
"Police are more predominantly involved in incidents of online bullying or threats."
A statement by the NSW Department of Education in the latest report said public schools were among the safest places in the community.
"From time to time, incidents do affect schools just as they affect communities and society as a whole," the statement said.
"Following such an incident, the principal notifies the Department's Incident Report and Support Hotline so support and advice can be provided to assist the school with the management of the incident.
"If the principal believes the incident may involve a criminal offence they are required to also notify the NSW Police Force."
