The principal of a Christchurch school has released more details about a scissors attack on two teachers, as first reported by chrislynchmedia.com.
Haeata Community Campus Principal Dr Peggy Burrows said a student has been suspended following the assault of two staff members.
“A full investigation has been initiated and a report is expected to be provided to the Haeata Community Campus Board early next week.
“The members of staff involved are safe and well and resting at home. The student is being supported by the school and their family, as required under the school’s Health, Safety, and Welfare Policy.”
On Wednesday, two teachers were assaulted by a student who was holding a pair of scissors. The incident happened just before 2.00pm and was witnessed by a number of students and staff. No students were assaulted or suffered physical harm, Dr Burrows said.
The student was immediately suspended following the incident.
Haeata Community Campus Principal Dr Peggy Burrows
Dr Burrows said she made the decision because she “was satisfied that the student’s behaviour met the test of gross misconduct that is a harmful or dangerous example to other students at Haeata Community Campus, pursuant to section 80(1)(a) of the Education and Training Act 2020.”
The student is now required to attend a Board suspension meeting next week and will not be permitted to return to school until the Board has met to discuss the matter.
The Board will consider the following options:
•Lift the suspension (with or without conditions), allowing the student to return to school full-time, or
•Extend the suspension with conditions for a reasonable period of time, meaning the student remains out of school temporarily and has conditions to meet before returning, or
•Exclude the student from Haeata Community Campus, meaning they must leave the school and enrol elsewhere because they are under 16 years of age.
The staff members affected by the assault received medical attention and remain at home on Board-funded paid leave until they feel able to return.
“As this matter is currently subject to a formal investigation process, no further comment will be made by Haeata Community Campus until the investigation report has been provided to the Board for consideration,” Dr Burrows said.
Ministry of Education South Leader Nancy Nell said “We are aware of the incident and have offered our support to the school.”
Police were also investigating.
