An official complaint has been made to the school’s board of governors by most of the parents on the disciplinary actions of the principal who suspended the students following an alleged assembly incident
A cohort of 19 lads have been suspended from a Co Antrim school, with furious parents lodging an official complaint about the head teacher’s handling of “toxic masculinity” concerns.
An official grievance has now been submitted to the school’s board of governors by the majority of parents regarding the disciplinary measures taken by the principal, who suspended the pupils following an alleged assembly incident on January 8.
The situation has now emerged as the Education Authority has become embroiled in what are described as ongoing accusations of “intimidation” towards female staff by male Year 11 pupils, aged 15 to 16. A collective of parents representing 16 of the suspended children have authorised a spokesperson to speak with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
The parent declared: “I would implore the Board of Governors to take this matter extremely seriously,” reports Belfast Live.
“I would be interested to know how many young people have been suspended for violence and bullying at the school in comparison to the 19 suspensions last Thursday, could this be disproportionate?”.
“I am disgusted to hear her terminology such as “masculine toxicity” with my son’s name beside it. Anyone who knows my son, knows he is the most lovable, kind natured, humble young person with the utmost respect to all.
“Some of these boys have never even had a detention.”
A correspondence (viewed by the LDRS) from the parents to the school’s board of governors lodges a formal complaint regarding the principal’s “conduct”. The parent went on: “It’s important to note that we all have bad days at work, I had hoped the principal would have reflected over the weekend with the acknowledgment of her overreaction, a retraction and apology to all involved. Instead, she has doubled down claiming intimidation and threatening behaviour that apparently has been going on for months.
“With the severity of the principal’s accusations, I took the opportunity to ask all his teachers what my son’s behaviour was like in school, they all said he was a delight and joy to teach. I also asked each female teacher if they ever felt threatened or intimidated by my son and all of them said absolutely not.”
The LDRS understands that the headteacher rang each parent individually to notify them about the single day (Jan 9) exclusion (leaving voicemails where there was no response) and has extended invitations to all parents for individual meetings to discuss the matter further.
In email exchanges (viewed by the LDRS) sent to a parent, the accusations levelled against the pupils have been detailed.
The lads are accused of displaying “disruptive and disrespectful behaviour directed towards staff”.
This conduct is said to have resulted in several supply and female teachers declining to take classes after being distressed to the extent of having to leave work early.
The correspondence from the school additionally alleges that a group of roughly 15 boys approached the headteacher outside her office in what was described as an “intimidating” fashion. The conduct is reported to have been ongoing since September.
The pupils have also been instructed to pen a “reflective note” regarding their actions.
Within the correspondence, the headteacher also expresses worries about troubling attitudes amongst Year 11 lads to prevent a “culture of toxic masculinity does not develop”.
The headteacher states: “I have been in teaching for a very long time, but I can honestly say, this morning was the most intimidating disrespectful behaviours I have ever experienced.”
The disruptive conduct allegedly encompasses talking over the headteacher, creating disturbances and giggling.
The LDRS contacted the headteacher and presented the parents’ concerns, with the matter being passed to the Education Authority (EA) for a response.
The EA offered assistance to the school and has now released a statement (Jan 14) on the school’s behalf which states: ” We are firmly committed to creating a welcoming, safe and positive learning environment for all pupils and staff within our school community.
“Respect for each other is a cornerstone of our school community and helps to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for everyone.
“We strive to build strong relationships with pupils and families, and work hard to guide young people to make positive and constructive choices, enabling them to reach their full potential.
“Whilst it would be inappropriate to comment on specifics relating to individual pupils, we work closely with both pupils and parents to resolve any issues and concerns through restorative practices.
“This approach helps pupils understand the impact of their actions, develop empathy for others and, where necessary, take steps to change behaviours.”