Letter to the Editor - Tuesday September 18, 2012

Watch for trouble

On September 12, I emailed Kaitaia College regarding some behaviour I had seen in the college grounds during interval break.

I would like to thank John Paitai (deputy principal) for taking the time to ring me and providing a background to the difficulties they face as teachers.

John has taken a proactive stance and is dealing with the matter.

As a parent with students at college, I put it to all parents and caregivers with young people at Kaitaia College to be aware of what they (their children) are up to. Look for changes in behaviour and attitudes, secretive ways, unusual-looking paraphernalia.

Do your young people suddenly need more money, becoming aggressive or just not coming home? Do not necessarily put it down to teenage growth and independence.

Parents, we cannot believe that just because we wave goodbye to our children in the morning that they are necessarily going to school, or when they are at school they are trying their best.

Some of our kids are putting others in jeopardy.

C'mon parents, I put this challenge to you.

To others in the community, if and when you see behaviour and unsavoury actions going on in the school and around it concerning students ring the college in the first instance, and let's support our teachers.

GEORGINA PETERSON

Kaitaia