Auckland, New Zealand – Recent incidents of student violence at Ōrewa College have raised concerns among school officials and parents in the Auckland area. The Auckland Secondary Schools Principals’ Association (ASSPA) has acknowledged the challenges posed by such incidents and emphasized the importance of addressing issues related to student behavior and safety within school environments.
Following a video surfacing of a student being physically attacked by another student at Ōrewa College, police have launched an investigation into the assault. While the school has been contacted for a statement regarding the incident, they have chosen not to comment at this time. Senior Sergeant Roger Small expressed deep concern over the violence displayed in the video and urged the public to refrain from sharing it further.
ASSPA President Karen Brinsden highlighted the need for schools to establish clear values, expectations, and standards to prevent such violent incidents from occurring. She emphasized the importance of creating a safe and respectful learning environment for all students, noting that external influences could impact behavior within school settings.
In a separate development, Ōrewa College faced similar concerns in 2022 when two brutal assaults came to light online, prompting a meeting with parents, police, teaching staff, and the school’s board of trustees. Parents expressed worries about the safety of their children at the school, urging authorities to take swift action to address issues related to bullying, security measures, and communication with parents.
Attendees of the meeting expressed disappointment in the school’s handling of previous incidents, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Concerns were raised about the lack of enforcement of disciplinary measures for minor infractions, which some believed led to more serious incidents of violence within the school community.
The meeting concluded with a call for proactive measures to address bullying, improve communication with parents, and create a culture of safety and respect within the school. Parents stressed the importance of genuine efforts to tackle ongoing issues and protect students from harm, emphasizing the need for accountability and tangible changes to ensure a positive and secure learning environment for all.