A Year 6 student from Central Coast Grammar School is in a critical condition after being struck by a falling tree branch at Government House on Wednesday afternoon, 19 February.

Just before 3pm, the tree branch fell on a group of children who had recently completed a tour of Government House during their school excursion to Canberra.

ACT emergency services were called, with reports of multiple injuries. First aid was rendered at the scene before four students were taken to Canberra Hospital in an ambulance. Three have since been given medical clearance and returned home, while one female student has been transferred to a Sydney hospital for further treatment.

Central Coast Grammar School principal Phil O’Regan confirmed on Thursday that the young girl was critically injured.

“Our staff remain in contact with all Year 6 families, offering the care and assistance of our counselling and wellbeing teams, and we extend our support to any other student requiring additional help,” O’Regan wrote in an email to parents.

“As a close community with strong values, I ask that you keep [the student] and their family in your hearts. Also, that you keep a watchful eye on your child and ask for help if they are struggling to cope with what has occurred.”

The excursion was cut short with all students returning home after the incident.