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Cairns private school student faces attempted murder charge after allegedly stabbing classmate

Police were called to Peace Lutheran College after a female student was allegedly stabbed several times. (ABC Far North: Conor Byrne)

An 18-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of another student at a Far North Queensland private school.

Marc Rajan Taylor is accused of stabbing the woman, also 18, at Peace Lutheran College in the suburb of Kamerunga in Cairns on Tuesday morning.

She remains in a critical condition at the Cairns hospital. 

Police alleged Mr Taylor approached the woman as she sat with friends during a school break, before allegedly stabbing her with a knife multiple times.

He was restrained by staff and other students at about 10:25am. 

Mr Taylor appeared briefly at the Cairns Magistrates Court this morning via video link from the local watchhouse, after being charged by detectives on Tuesday night.

Marc Rajan Taylor, 18, appeared at the Cairns Magistrates Court on Wednesday. (ABC News: Emilia Terzon)

He was represented by duty lawyer Derek Perkins, who did not apply for bail on behalf of his client.

Mr Perkins told the court his client had been seen by the mental health unit this morning and was still waiting on the assessment. 

He asked the court, before Magistrate Cathy McLennan, that the matter be adjourned until June 12 for a bail application.

Magistrate McLennan told the court she hoped there was no change to the young woman's condition.

Cairns detectives set up a crime scene at Peace Lutheran College at Kamerunga on Tuesday. (ABC Far North: Conor Byrne)

School issues statement

The incident has rocked the tight-knit independent college, which has fewer than 700 students from prep to Year 12. 

Peace Lutheran College student Marc Rajan Taylor has been charged with attempted murder. (ABC Far North: Conor Byrne)

A school spokesperson said in a statement that it was focused on supporting all members of the community who had been affected by the alleged incident.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all members of our community during this difficult time," the spokesperson said. 

"The safety and wellbeing of all members of our community is our highest priority.

"We ask the community to keep our injured student in their prayers."

Forensic police officers returned to the crime scene today.

The matter will return to court next month. 

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