School ball: No oldies, please

A Tauranga secondary school is remaining staunch on its rule to cap the age of partners allowed at the school ball. .
Otumoetai College principal Dave Randell said he had capped the age  at 21 two years ago. That was after a female student turned up  with a man 10 years older than herself.
"We were a bit surprised, to be honest. I'm not one to judge who our young ladies go out with but most 27-year-olds left school 10 years ago and [would return for] a reunion perhaps, but not a school ball."
Schools vet their students' partners  by checking names and if necessary, making contact with them - or their school - if they're still a student.
Most schools do not allow partners younger than Year 12 or older than their early 20s, and  everyone is greeted at the door by the principal, his or her partner, senior management and student leaders.
Mr Randell said that in the past, older guests at school balls had made trouble by questioning why they weren't allowed outside  for a smoke or alcoholic drink.
They had forgotten they were in a school environment and it was educators' responsibility to protect young people.
"At age 19 they have nothing to do with the college and it doesn't matter to him to turn up with whiskey," Mr Randell said.
Students were asked to sign an agreement stating their partner was no younger than a Year 12 student, and no older than 21. Students' parents were  asked to counter-sign the agreement.
Mr Randell said eight security officers would be on duty at his school ball on June 20, and would "pat down" ballgoers to make sure they weren't carrying anything they shouldn't.

A fashion show was held at the school before the ball, so students knew  the appropriate standard of dress.
Tauranga Girls' College principal Pauline Cowens said there was no age limit on partners at her school, but students were asked to use their common sense.
"They need to think whether anyone over the age of 22 is going to enjoy a school ball."
Mrs Cowens said  this year partners were mostly school-aged.
"Very few were over the age of 20."
Girls' College was the first of the Bay's eight high schools to hold their ball on May 16.
 Katikati College principal Peter Leggat said the ball was strictly for Year 12 and 13 students.
"Year 11 students are allowed to come if they are in a relationship with a senior."
Students who wanted to invite someone outside of school were required to write  to Mr Leggat and have that partner approved.

 Aquinas College principal Brendan Schollum said the only criteria for his students was that their partner must be a  secondary student, or tertiary student.
There was no age limit.
 The assistant principal of Mount Maunganui College, Tina Yule, said the issue of older partners  had yet to  be an issue.
 Tauranga Boys' College principal Robert Mangan said
 age was normally not an issue.
"Anything a bit outrageous, I'd address it."
 
 Te Puke High School deputy principal David Crone said partners  must not be younger than Year 12. 
There was no age cap in terms of older partners but most students didn't pick partners any more than three years older than themselves.
Bethlehem College principal Phillip Nash said applications had to be made for partners from outside the school  and checking of names and character amongst Tauranga's secondary schools was commonplace.