Some school bathrooms are locked during class time for maintenance purposes. Photo / NZME
A Bay of Plenty high school is under fire for telling students in an online notice they "are not to use the toilets during class time".
But Te Puke High School principal Alan Liddle said if a student needed to leave class to use a bathroom, they just needed to check with their classroom teacher.
One parent described the rule outlined in the online notice as "just wrong", and said he felt sorry for female students who had their periods.
In a notice issued to students on an online portal, the school stated: "Over the last few weeks, some students have vandalised a number of student toilets.
''This is incredibly disrespectful and has caused a considerable amount of extra work ... As a result, some toilets have been locked.
"Students are not to use the toilets during class time.
''Instead, students need to get in the habit of going to the toilet during break times".
The parent said the notice was received on June 18.
When approached for comment, Liddle said in a written statement the bathrooms were only locked for "maintenance purposes".
"Our daily timetable provides students with a break after every 75 minute period during which time they have the opportunity to use the bathroom. We consider it is an important life habit to learn for self-management."
Liddle said he was happy to meet with the parent who had initially raised the matter to discuss their concerns.
Board of trustees chairman Andy Wichers confirmed students had toilet access "if required" during class time.
When asked to clarify the school's previous policy on school bathroom use, Wichers referred the Bay of Plenty Times to the policies on the school website. These policies were last updated in March 2021.
The Bay of Plenty Times was unable to find any policies relating to use of the school toilets.
A Te Puke High School parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was concerned for students who had their periods.
His understanding of the previous school policy around use of the toilets was that "if they needed to use the toilet, they could ask the teacher, and they could go to the toilet".
"These kids are expected to wait till the end of their lesson to change pads. Either that or go and talk to the teacher about it."
He said his daughter was particularly worried about talking to her male teachers about this.
Ideally, he said would like to see students be able to use the bathroom when required.
"It just doesn't sit well. I just feel so sorry for the girls."
Liddle said if female students were embarrassed about getting permission to leave the class, they could let their teacher know that they needed to go to the office, where they could use a bathroom.
The parent said students were encouraged to use the toilets in the five-minute transition break between classes. He had been told by his daughter up to 35 individuals were lining up to use the facilities during some breaks.
He was told this was resulting in children arriving to class late and getting in trouble.
Another Te Puke High parent, who also wished to remain anonymous, said in her opinion it was a human rights issue and wondered how the school expected female students to "control" the arrival of their periods.
She was not aware of a previous rule relating to bathroom use.
"Isn't that a health and safety issue? I didn't realise you can control when your period arrives for break times.
She said in her view: "I also think it's a human rights issue. Everyone deserves to be able to make their own decision of when they need to use a toilet. Even in prisons, they allow this basic right."
The parent was also worried for those students who might find it uncomfortable to use the toilet at lunchtimes when more students were around and preferred using the facilities in private.
Ministry of Education acting deputy secretary sector enablement and support Susan Howan said the school had informed the ministry there was no "set rule forbidding use of the toilets during class time."
On Monday, June 21, the ministry received a call from a parent who raised concerns about the matter.
"We encouraged them in the first instance to contact the principal directly and understand the parent has now done that," she said.
The ministry said schools were free to determine their own policies and procedures for matters such as this.
But the ministry expected schools would consult with their communities when they do so.
"Schools are generally very clear about their expectations and rules and are very happy to explain them and respond to any questions or queries parents might have."
Assistant Māori Commissioner for Children Glenis Philip-Barbara said children had the right to dignity and agency in every part of their lives.
"In our view that includes access to the bathroom. There are countless legitimate reasons why a child should be able to use the bathroom when they know they need it," she said.
Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero said any school policy that prevented, or discouraged, toilet access by students, could be detrimental to a range of students.
This included those who were menstruating or who had particular health or disability requirements.
"Every child in Aotearoa has the right to an education provided in a safe and healthy environment, and that respects their human rights - without discrimination. This includes the important right of access to sanitation," she said.
Otumoetai College principal Russell Gordon said that as a father, he "completely understood" where the father was coming from and that there would be students too timid to ask for permission in front of the class.
However, there was an "element of reasonableness there".
"I can understand what they are doing from a teaching point of view ... but we don't apply that same thinking at this school."
Gordon said students at his school needed a hall pass to be outside of their classrooms during learning time but this could be as informal as a subtle nod from the teacher.
"We just try not to make it a big thing."
David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to Parliament on Thursday.