Utu Secondary School in New Ireland province, has suspended five grade nine students including four females and one male following a widespread circulation of a video on Facebook depicting these students, smoking marijuana and posting it online.
The school administration was promptly alerted to the matter and conducted a thorough investigation.
The school board in a recent statement, stated that the investigation identified these students as being responsible for their actions, including the creation of the video. These students were then immediately suspended and the School Disciplinary Committee convened on Friday May 16th to address the issue.
The Disciplinary Committee unanimously recommended the expulsion of all five students based on the evidence provided.
As of Tuesday 20th May, the School Board of Governors met to specifically consider this serious matter and went ahead to vote to uphold the recommendation of the School Disciplinary Committee resulting in the expulsion of the five students, making it effective.
In addition, the board stated that drugs and alcohol have no place within its institution and students found to be involved in the use, possession or distribution of illegal substances will face the strictest disciplinary measures, including termination.
The school notes with concern that the majority of serious disciplinary cases this year have involved female students.
In light of this trend, Utu Secondary is kindly appealing to parents to prioritize the proper upbringing of their daughters, emphasizing the importance of ladylike conduct, decency, and respect both within and outside the school environment.
Moreover, the school also reiterates the importance of respecting the school uniform and encourages all students to wear it with pride.
As New Ireland’s premier secondary institution, the board stated that the school’s reputation and standing must be upheld by every member of the community including, students, teachers, the Board of Governors, the administration and parents and citizens.
The school also understands that this incident may cause concern within the community and has appealed for the continued support and pride that the people of New Ireland have historically shown towards the institution.
“This isolated incident should not diminish the significant contributions Utu Secondary has made and will continue to make in shaping the future leaders of the province and the nation,” the school stated.
Finally, Utu Secondary school remains firmly committed to providing a safe, disciplined, and conducive learning environment.
The board has stated that they will continue to serve as a vital steppingstone, empowering current and future generations of students to achieve their dreams and aspirations and to be New Ireland’s leaders of tomorrow.