Three volunteers have been patrolling the school grounds this week.
Waitaki Week is the annual inter-school sports competition between St Kevin’s and Waitaki Boys’ and Waitaki Girls’ high schools.
The volunteers had been helping out for "about three years", St Kevin’s principal Jo Walshe said yesterday.
"It’s not new.
"We have had problems in the past and it’s just making sure that we’re protecting our property and our people from vandalism.
"We’ve stepped up our security after the big incidents that happened a few years ago."
In 2020, eggs were thrown at cars and buildings at St Kevin’s College which led to a pupil being chased and breaking his collarbone.
Alongside the volunteers, the school also now locks its front and back gates and has 33 cameras operating.
There had been no incidents so far this week, Ms Walshe said.
"This week it’s been fine and probably the wet weather has been a good deterrent for that."
The volunteers were out on patrol predominantly after school "when there aren’t as many people around", she said.
She was not concerned the rivalry between the schools had gone too far.
"The rivalry between the schools is ... healthy and friendly and genuinely very positive."
Ms Walshe was optimistic that despite wet weather in Oamaru this week, it would clear by tomorrow for the inter-school rugby match which serves as a grand finale for Waitaki Week.
