'Bullying' victim speaks out
I am the student who was the centre of the supposed "bullying incident" last Monday morning.
I would like to begin by thanking the woman who reported this "bullying" incident to Hawke's Bay Today because it not only showed her concern but also reflects our school's policy
that bullying is not to be tolerated.
However, the incident looked worse than it was, and was later sorted out between me and the boy involved.
The cuffing I received from him was certainly not a big hit or punch, was the result of a misunderstanding, and was witnessed only by five or six others who crossed the street from the dairy out of a larger gathering of boys.
The other person and I have been classmates for 11 years and until now have been on good terms.
After the incident I walked back to the school, reported the incident at the gate (the dairy is 50 metres from the school) and went to class - only later going to the office when requested to do so.
After hearing my side of the story in the counsellor's office the other boy realised I had been falsely accused of something I never did and we left on good terms.
Name of St John's College student withheld on request dueto the circumstances.
Editor's note: An eyewitness intervened then contacted HB Today with genuine concern as to what she had seen and because she saw the incident being filmed by another student.
St John's College Principal Neal Swindells was asked for comment for an article and said "there was an incident at the school and we have taken some disciplinary action".
