O’Loughlin Catholic College was forced to close to students on Tuesday after sustaining significant damage during a break-in overnight, which comes during a rocky start to the new school year that also saw the school evacuated last week after a bomb threat.

Classes for the year started last Wednesday.

A letter sent to parents on this morning advised that students needed to stay home due to “safety issues” after the school was smashed up overnight.

“Sadly we have had a serious break in overnight and due to the safety issue caused by the damage (lots of smashed glass), we have cancelled classes and asked for students to stay home today as per direction from Catholic Education office,” the email from principal Megan Evans said.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to families with such a sudden notice of closure.

“We will continue to work with NT Police to address the issue.”

It was unclear if the school would open on Wednesday. Last Wednesday, the school was evacuated after a reported bomb threat, which saw police attend and close streets in the Karama neighbourhood.

“It’s unfortunate that that our first day back at school for all students (Year 7-12), ended with an evacuation of our school premises,” Ms Evans wrote to parents last week.

“This was due to a hoax threat to school safety. As a matter of procedure and ensuring the safety of our school community, we contacted police and evacuated the students, as did Holy Family Catholic Primary School.

“We thank the NT Police for their prompt response and support and commend the students for the manner in which they conducted themselves during this procedure.”

She added that parent had responded to the threat with “composure”.

“I am saddened that this is my first official communication with the school community and I look forward to more positive communication in the near future,” Ms Evans wrote.

The school was also the target of a bomb threat in September 2021.