A Year 9 student has been excluded from Haeata Community Campus in Aranui after assaulting two staff members a week ago.

As first reported by chrislynchmedia.com  the teachers were assaulted by a student armed with a pair of scissors at Haeata Community Campus just before 2pm and was witnessed by several students and staff.

Exclusion applies to students under 16 who are permanently removed from their school but must be enrolled in another school or educational programme. Expulsion applies to students aged 16 or older who are permanently removed from school with no legal obligation to continue their education.

In a statement the school said  the school’s Board of Trustees convened a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, where the student and their family were present.

After “in-depth discussion and a review of all information provided,” the Board resolved, under section 81(1)(c) of the Education & Training Act 2020, to exclude the student.

In a joint statement, Dr Peggy Burrows, Principal, and Dr David Ivory, Board Presiding Member, said: “It is the Board’s view that the safety of staff and students at Haeata Community Campus is of paramount importance.”

They confirmed the decision was not made lightly and that the Board carefully considered the rights of the student involved.

However, those rights were balanced against the rights of the staff and students to feel safe at school. “The Board had regard for the rights of the student concerned, and balanced those rights with the rights of the staff involved and the rights of the students and staff of Haeata Community Campus to be safe at school.”

The Board determined that the student’s actions amounted to gross misconduct, setting a harmful and dangerous example to other students. “Given the circumstances of this case, the student’s conduct met the test of gross misconduct that was a harmful and dangerous example to other students at the school.”

As a result, the student has been excluded and is now required to attend another kura or school, in accordance with legal obligations since they are under 16 years of age. The two staff members involved in the assault were provided medical attention and remain on extended leave.

“The members of staff affected by this assault received medical attention and remain at home on extended leave until they feel able to return to their duties.”

The school made it clear that no further public comment will be made on the matter. “Following the Board’s determination today, there will be no further comment made by Haeata Community Campus.”

A police spokesperson said a person is facing a number of charges including assault and is due to appear in youth court next month.

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