Suspensions after girls’ fight filmed
A fight organised among girls in school uniform has resulted in numerous suspensions and police involvement in the north Auckland school.
Videos of the fight, viewed widely on social media, show two girls brawling at a playground in their Whangapara¯oa College uniforms with others looking on.
Principal James Thomas described the incident as ‘‘very unpleasant’’. ‘‘It occurred about six weeks ago at 5.30pm one evening, by the [Whangapara¯oa Plaza]. The girls involved – whether they were fighting, egging others on, or videoing – were stood down, and parents were contacted. Also, we got the police involved with the girls.’’
The school met with parents, as well as ensuring there were appropriate consequences and clear messages given at assemblies, Thomas said.
understands the students involved were suspended but not expelled. On its website the school has a ‘‘learner management policy’’ which states gross misconduct by learners may give cause for expulsion.
Board of trustees chairwoman Heidi Parlane said the board was confident in the school’s handling of the matter.
It was dealt with appropriately, and treated with the seriousness it deserved.
The incidents surfaced as multiple parents raised concerns with about an alleged culture of bullying at the school and within the wider Whangapara¯ oa community. The parents asked to remain anonymous.
Police were involved following another, separate, fight between boys at the school in August, according to information received under the Official Information Act.
This year alone there had been two minor assaults and an instance of cyberbullying at Whangapara¯ oa College, the information from acting response manager for Orewa police, Sergeant Nicholas Herd, said.
In response to questions about students being trespassed from McDonalds Whangapara¯oa this year, the police had attended 10 incidents and one male had been trespassed, Herd said.
Michael Rickards, acting area commander Waitemata¯ north, said in a statement: ‘‘Any reports of bullying should be referred to the school, who will notify us if police involvement is deemed appropriate. If police identify any criminal offending has taken place, this will be investigated and we want to reassure the community that appropriate action will be taken by police if necessary.’’
The Ministry of Education confirmed it had received calls from parents concerned about bullying at the college and had discussed these concerns with the school.
‘‘They have improved their practices so students and parents know to talk to the school if they have concerns, so the school has the opportunity to intervene early.
‘‘We [the ministry] have also offered our support to the school and will continue to do so for as long as they need it,’’ deputy secretary sector enablement and support Katrina Casey said in a statement.