Four students from an Australian Catholic boys college who went on a shoplifting spree in Queenstown around a week ago have been expelled from school, the Herald Sun reported today.
The 16 boys implicated in the incident were all from Xavier, an exclusive Melbourne Catholic boys' college.
The incidents occured when the boys went on an afternoon visit to Queenstown, at the end of a skiing trip.
The students targeted about seven retailers, tearing security tags off clothes and souvenirs to avoid electronic detection.
The goods stolen were believed to be valued at more than $6000.
The four who have been expelled were identified as ringleaders. The remaining dozen students have had their suspensions extended for up to two weeks, said the newspaper.
Yesterday, Xavier principal Dr Chris Hayes said the decision to expel the four was taken after a thorough investigation.
Last week, Dr Hayes told the Herald Sun the boys would have to carry the label of thieves.
"I was shocked. I was gutted. You don't expect your students are going to act in that way," Dr Hayes said.
Yesterday, he repeated his deep feeling of disappointment over the incident.
"I hope this experience serves as a warning that stealing and a lack of respect will not be tolerated at a great school such as Xavier," he said.
- NZHERALD STAFF
Four expelled after shoplifting spree
Dr Chris Hayes
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
