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An Eastern Bay of Plenty school has been forced to withdraw its 2004 Year Book after students used it to boast about their drug habits, gang connections, and love of parties.
Kawerau College has recalled the year book within 24 hours of it being issued to students, following a complaint from a parent.
The book features students' hopes about what they would like to do when they are older -- including suggestions such as brothel worker, drug lord, dope dealer, dope packer, stripper, pimp, beneficiary, druggie and "living on the street".
On one page, headed "11ozs of Budd", there is a background shot of what appears to be cannabis.
Elsewhere, students are shown complaining that their class "suxs".
The book also contains pictures of bulldogs, a well-known symbol of the Mongrel Mob, and has photos of students doing gang-related gestures.
Red-faced principal Steve Hocking said he was shocked and furious at the content of the book, which was put together by students under the supervision of a junior teacher.
Mr Hocking said someone at a senior management level was supposed to look at it before it was printed. However, there was confusion as to who was doing the job and it was not done.
Between 100 and 150 copies were distributed at a cost of $5 per student.
Mr Hocking said he accepted he was ultimately responsible but intended to speak to the junior teacher.
"I'm just going to have a fireside chat with him."
The students involved in producing the book had been spoken to but no further action would be taken because they had not been given clear guidelines about what was expected.
While Mr Hocking was able to joke about the incident, he said it was not something he wanted out in the community as it did nothing for Kawerau's image.
It also did not reflect the image of the college and he intended to "express his regret" in a newsletter to parents.
Mr Hocking said the school had put policies and procedures in place to ensure this sort of incident did not happen again.
- ROTORUA DAILY POST