The NT Education Department and the school are still investigating the incident although several students have already been banned from bus travel.

A Katherine parent, who does not wish to be identified, said her child was on the bus which was late arriving at her stop.

“Imagine my shock when (the child) told me why,” the parent said.

“Apparently a girl was fighting on the and when she hopped off she threw a large rock at the bus denting the side.

“She then threw a smaller rock, cracking a window.

“Lastly, she hurled a knife at the bus. The door of the bus was shut and the children had to wait for another bus to collect them and continue drop offs.

“My (child) was shaken by this attack as I imagine many other children would have been.

“No child should have to be subjected to this kind of violence on the bus. I hope that action is taken.”

A spokesman for the Education Department said the incident arose after a group of students on the bus had a disagreement.

“The bus driver intervened and moved one of the students to the opposite end of the bus, deescalating the situation,” the spokesman said.

“At her usual stop, the bus driver safely ushered the student off the bus.

“The student then proceeded to throw rocks and other objects collected from the ground, including a butter knife, at the school bus.”

The spokesman said Katherine High School is currently working with the bus company and the students who were involved to determine all of the facts “with appropriate disciplinary action to follow”.

The spokesman said the students involved in the incident have been banned from the school bus.

“This type of behaviour is not acceptable and the school will continue to work with the students and their families, taking the necessary appropriate actions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students.”

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