And the number of pupils stood down for continual disobedience, sexual harassment, theft, and verbal assaults on other pupils was the lowest in the past five years. Despite the drops in standdowns for continual disobedience and physical assaults on other pupils, the numbers were still high — 200 and 385 respectively. Continual disobedience, physical assaults on other pupils and verbal assaults on staff resulted in the lowest number of suspensions in the past five years. The main reasons for exclusion last year were continual disobedience, physical assault on other pupils, and ‘‘other harmful or dangerous behaviour’’. And the number of pupils expelled from school dropped to fewer than five—again the lowest number in five years.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 07, 2021 18:56 UTC