23rd April 2023
Dear Parents or Carers,
We consider our position in our community and our shared values to be fundamental to a successful Ballakermeen. I am therefore disappointed to have to write to you to make you aware that we have received a large number of complaints from our neighbours regarding the conduct of some of our students at break and lunchtime. There have been reports of loitering in large groups, littering, vaping and the use of foul language. This is clearly unacceptable and is having a negative impact on those that live in close proximity to the school and the reputation of our school.
We have made the following very clear to our students:
- No one is allowed to leave the school site at break time apart from students in the Sixth Form
- Students in Years 10 and 11 are allowed to leave site at lunchtime only and can go to Balla Stores or the Wessex garage to purchase food
- Students are not permitted to congregate in, or use any of the lanes behind the local housing. These lanes around the school should be considered out of bounds
Unfortunately, a significant minority of students are not following the rules as outlined above, despite us verbalising them regularly and patrolling the area when capacity allows.
Students leaving site without permission presents a safeguarding concern and will continue to be sanctioned by way of an after school detention.
Students who continue to congregate in the lanes behind the local housing will in the first instance be sanctioned by way of a Head teacher’s detention. Repeated infringements will be considered a conscious choice of defiance and will result in the student being suspended from school.
I am sorry for what may appear to be a negative communication, however the intent is to encourage all students to act in a manner that enhances the positive reputation of our school. For most students, the sanctions laid out will not apply, however if we can get to a point where all of us reflect our values of kindness, honesty and respect, then we will all benefit in a shared pride in our school.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Graeme Corrin, Head Teacher