Discipline! Schools seek order on and off campus

In the wake of students being sent home for inappropriate attire, principals and other school officials at various institutions have been putting in measures to curb all forms of indiscipline.

Principal at St Andrew High School for Girls, Sharon Reid, said the school decided to get parents involved and would be trying not to send home students.

"What we do is, we call the parents because we are concerned about what will happen if we actually take them out of school, so we let them know that the rules will be enforced and no incorrect attire will be accepted. We don't allow hair extensions. They are to wear their own hair. We won't be closing our gates, but we will be calling in the parents," she said.

"But I do believe that indiscipline in one area leads to indiscipline in another area, so we are resolute that discipline will be enforced," she said.

Mohawk hairstyles

At Kingston College, more than 20 boys were disciplined for being inappropriately dressed, some wearing Mohawk hairstyles. Principal Dave Myrie explained that it was about more than attire.

"We want to help them become functional citizens. So just because you do well in school, you can't just sit any way in class. We have to bring a sense of order both on and off the campus," he said. Myrie said he wanted boys to know that bad behaviour outside the institution reflects badly on the school. Officials noted that after the stringent rules were laid out during orientation, there has been a decrease in the number of tight pants being worn by students.

Myrie said parents had to get involved.

"Parents and guardians must be vigilant. They have to exercise tough discipline and tough love," he said.

Officials from other schools have reported similar issues. Patricia Salmon, dean of discipline at Paul Bogle High in St Thomas, said the school has been calling in parents of children wearing tight uniforms. Some students have been sent home.

"We even bought a seam ripper. We bring them to the office and give them the choice of making the alteration or going home. Most choose to make the alterations."

George Pryce, principal at Tarrant High School, said he would be giving students until Monday to address any rule violations.

"We have found that a number of students have incorrect uniforms as a result of financial constraints, so we have provided a platform where they can receive assistance. After Monday, students will be sent home," he said.