School must act after ‘disturbing behaviour’

School authorities have been urged to consider fresh action to stamp out the “disturbing” behaviour blighting Perth High.

Head teacher Thirza Pupillo was moved to write to parents calling for cooperation following a fire and reports of vandalism, stonethrowing and fights.

In the wake of the latest incidents, Perth City South SNP councillor Sheila McCole said: “I have contacted the head teacher to explore how the council can support the school to address any underlying issues and minimise the risk of recurrence in the future.”

“It is disappointing that those responsible showed such little regard for pupils and staff alike, causing considerable and deliberate disruption to the school day.

“They also showed complete disregard for the impact their actions will have had on the resources of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“The vast majority of the school’s students are responsible young people who will be dismayed by these events and the reputational damage to the school, its staff and pupils.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Wilson added: “I had a meeting with the head teacher last term when I was assured an action plan would be put in place to help prevent such incidents.

“I think it may be appropriate to review the plan and see how it can be reinforced.”

The council said: “Three of the fire alarms are being treated as deliberate and have been investigated. Appropriate action has been taken.

“We can confirm that a bottle opener with corkscrew was also confiscated on Wednesday at Perth High. The school has followed proper procedures in dealing with this matter.”

The school’s head teacher said senior pupils deserved credit for getting the school back to normal after the fire alarms.

“School assemblies are being used to reinforce messages about the consequences of inappropriate conduct and the school continues to work closely with Scottish Fire and Rescue,” she added.

Perth and Kinross Council twice declined a request for an interview with the head teacher.