Fight affected sports day gets go ahead

Photo / Northern Advocate

Dargaville High School was to complete its annual sports day yesterday after the event was put on hold for safety reasons.

Principal David Bargh called off the event amid concerns for student safety after a fight involving two students on February 17.

This led to a significant group of students becoming hyped up, resulting in unpredictable behaviour, Mr Bargh said.

"We were determined not to let an unpleasant incident undermine an important school activity."

The outbreak of violence had been preceded by incidents predominantly outside the school, with two groups of young people antagonising each other.

These incidents involved past students and community members.

This had occasionally spilled over into problems in the school, Mr Bargh said.

Reports that up to 60 students were involved in fights were inaccurate.

This estimate of numbers related to incidents outside the school and involved second and third parties, Mr Bargh said.

"Our school is generally a safe, friendly environment with positive and pleasant interactions between members of our school and the community.

"This has been a one-off incident that will be thoroughly investigated. Every effort will be made to restore the relationships between the groups."

The school believes a small number of students is responsible for the violence.

- APN