School Violence: Student Injured at New Eton College and Two Suspensions at St-Pierre RCA
Title: School Violence: Student Injured at New Eton College and Two Suspensions at St-Pierre RCA
Content: Two separate incidents that occurred in schools this week highlight the fragility of discipline and safety in educational environments. On Thursday, in Rose-Hill, a student from New Eton College was injured in the face by a plastic bottle. In St-Pierre, two students were suspended for violent behavior. Education Minister Mahend Gungapersad has promised a zero-tolerance policy.
On Thursday, around 11:40 AM, a vice-Class Captain at New Eton College in Rose-Hill was hit in the face by a water bottle thrown by a classmate. This incident occurred while he was supervising the class in the absence of the teacher. His mother reported finding her son "in tears, with his polo shirt stained with blood."
The school administered first aid and contacted the parents. His mother took him to a clinic where a general practitioner recommended a specialized consultation at ENT hospital. The diagnosis indicated a nasal trauma and facial swelling. Subsequently, the parents filed a Form 58 at the Rose-Hill police station on Thursday evening.
The mother emphasizes that the school administration assured her that the responsible student would be punished, but her son is currently refusing to return to class. She states that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred.
At New Eton College, manager Oomavedi Cudian noted that the incident happened during inappropriate games among students, while the teacher was absent due to an urgent health issue. "Students were playing with paper balls, erasers, and a plastic bottle. What initially started as a harmless joke unfortunately escalated into an altercation. During this joke, one student threw a plastic bottle at a classmate, who also happens to be the class captain, unintentionally injuring him."
She adds: "At no time was there a fight between the class captain and another student," she insists. The school states that it has taken the matter very seriously, provided necessary care, and informed the parents.
An internal investigation is underway. Reports indicate that the responsible student has been suspended for three days and will face a disciplinary council meeting scheduled for April 1. The administration reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and emphasizes that awareness campaigns are regularly conducted. The manager specifies that the student never reported being a victim of bullying.
Suspension of Two Students at St-Pierre RCA School
During the same week, another incident shook St-Pierre RCA School. Two boys, aged 8 and 9, enrolled in Grade 4 and Grade 5, have been suspended until the end of this term. They are accused of instilling fear in the school for the past three years.
In response to this situation, the authorities have decided to post a police officer outside the school to ensure the safety of the students. Parents, for their part, are demanding sustainable solutions so that their children can study in a peaceful environment.
Mahend Gungapersad: "We will not tolerate those who hold the school hostage"
Education Minister Mahend Gungapersad reacted firmly on Friday morning following these two incidents. He stated: "Culprits will have to pay for their actions. We will not tolerate those who hold the school hostage." He also announced a zero-tolerance policy against violent behavior, drug use, or physical assaults. The students involved will have to face legal consequences, he emphasized.
However, the minister clarified that permanent expulsion from school would remain a last resort after attempts at psychological follow-up and rehabilitation. He mentioned the need to review certain laws to better manage extreme cases while respecting existing legal parameters.