KEY POINTS:
A state integrated school for girls in Dunedin has stood down 18 students for carrying concealed hip flasks to their school formal ball.
St Hilda's Collegiate caught the girls at the event in the Dunedin Town Hall two weeks ago.
Principal Melissa Bell said the incident had left her disappointed.
"We have a zero tolerance policy for alcohol at school events. I think we are being firm and consistent, and we are sending a very clear message to the community about our expectations for our pupils."
Ms Bell said the school provided written documentation to all students outlining the school's expectations for behaviour at the formal, and a special assembly was held before the ball to reiterate the information in the document.
All pupils had signed a contract saying they agreed to the terms before being given permission to attend.
The 18 students, aged 15-17, were caught with concealed hip-flasks by security staff, although none was intoxicated.
Ms Bell believed they were carrying the flasks to after-ball functions.
Once pupils left school functions, she said, it was impossible to prevent them from drinking alcohol because they were the responsibility of their parents again.
Despite the incident, Ms Bell said most of the 300 students at the function followed school policy and had a wonderful evening.
"Parents and the community are very supportive about the clear stance we've taken," she said.
All 18 girls were now back at school after individual meetings with the principal to make sure they were aware of the gravity of what they had done.
A review into the way St Hilda's Collegiate would run future school balls was in progress, Ms Bell said, and an alcohol education seminar with "outside experts" would be held later this year for the students involved.
Otago Southland Secondary Principals Association chairman Mike Corkery said it was an incident that happened to the best of schools throughout the country.
"Kids do silly things and we have to deal with it. What else can you do?"
However, Mr Corkery questioned the role of school balls in the lives of today's students.
"At one time, it was an opportunity to dance. For many kids it's just a warm-up for a big party now.
"It makes you wonder why schools are in the business of running formals - especially when some kind of after-match function is the norm.
"We all know it goes on, and we don't agree with it."
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
