WHAT HAPPENED AT THE RENAMED MANGAKOTUKUTUKU COLLEGE TODAY?
There was a serious, apparently gang related, fight that took place on the campus of the renamed - from Melville High and Melville Middle to Mangakotukutuku College - state school at around 11.30 a.m. today. No mention of this - still (at 8.30 p.m. on the same day as the incident) - on the school website. And the Waikato Times also only published their story late this afternoon. www.waikatotimes.co.nz... Nothing published in Stuff or NZ Herald.
Crucially, the new Principal, Dr Thilo Govender, sent an e-mail to parents and caregivers at 2:56 p.m. Too little too late is all I am going to say about this communication for now.
Three students we know were traumatised by what they heard and saw. The Waikato Times used the words "brawl" and "disorder" to describe, and I believe intentionally downplay, what happened. It was reported that Dr Govender "declined to speak to The Waikato Times". A lack of honesty, openness and transparency is never helpful and I know I am not alone in saying that parents and caregivers expect and deserve better. Certainly students, parents and caregivers want an full and frank explanation of what happened, what the school's policy and procedures are i.r.o. traumatic incidents like this was, and, importantly what has been done to prevent a recurrence. Also does this school have a Traumatic Incident Team and if not then why not?
I have heard from a reliable source that a Police officer told a parent who was waiting in the carpark for their child (that had called them from the school office crying and asking to be fetched from the school) that a student had been stabbed. The Police officer mentioned a gun being involved too. And as far as the claim that a person had been arrested for assaulting Police, the aforementioned parent was also told by the same aforementioned Police officer that a parent had been arrested for trying to gain access to the school grounds as he wanted to take his child home, was denied entry and got lippy and boisterous as a result.
The Ministry of Education knows that the now ex-Melville High School was a volatile and dangerous environment, and it in fact funded 2 security guards for the last 5 months of 2023 because the then Principal, Mr Clive Hamill, considered it so unsafe. Now we have a repeat of the same, but believed to be worse, dangerous behaviour under new school management! No guessing what message this sends to students, parents and caregivers? Again, students, parents and caregivers want to know what is being done by the Ministry of Education to prevent a recurrence of today's incident.
Many students were distressed by what happened and this was made worse because they could not call their parents as their mobile phones were locked away and not able to be used. Students not being able to reach out to loved ones and get the support, comfort and assurance of parents and caregivers during stressful incidents like this is not acceptable. They also have the right to expect a safe and secure learning environment and the fact that the "new" school is repeating the history of the "old" school troubles me greatly.
Crucially, the right to be told immediately when something goes wrong at your child's school is being ignored by Mangakotukutuku School, and I am really angry that messages were posted on the school's FACEBOOK PAGE which hardly any parent looks at. Notably as well, soon after we heard what had happened - through another parent calling us - I made a call to the school but no one answered. Not even an answering machine where parents and caregivers can record messages!!!
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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