A Scarborough teenager's first day back at school included reading, writing and being attacked by a machete-wielding assailant.

Tuesday's incident began at Agincourt Collegiate, located near Midland and Sheppard Avenues.

The youth first became involved in an altercation there. Police allege the victim's assailants asked him to leave the school and went to a community centre about a block away.

Police think some of the suspects, who may have numbered up to 15, may have also been armed with bottles and other weapons.

The 17-year-old victim only suffered a minor head injury. Police believe he knew all the assailant and that he was not targeted at random. They are investigating the possibility that the assault had its beginnings in an earlier conflict.

However, they won't call it a gang-related incident.

Police said one suspect contacted them and, after receiving the advice of a lawyer, would be turning himself in. Another three are very close to being arrested.

Students said they couldn't believe such a violent incident would occur on the first day of school.

Louie Papathanasakis, the school's principal, said a range of disciplinary actions could be imposed once an investigation is completed. Those could include expulsions, suspensions or transfers.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Janice Golding