Principal finds strict line with pupils pays

Roy Lilley. Photo / Paul Estcourt

A West Auckland principal is taking a zero-tolerance attitude to unruly students at his new school - and winning hearts and minds in the process.

Roy Lilley, who took over at Bruce McLaren Intermediate in Henderson in April, is cracking down on a range of schoolyard indiscretions such as verbal abuse and fighting.

His hardline policy has led to eight students being stood down in a week, but he makes no apologies, vowing not to tolerate bad behaviour of any kind.

One case ended up before the board of trustees, which ultimately suspended the student, and support agencies are now deciding the child's future.

None of the eight cases involved drugs, alcohol or serious violence, but Mr Lilley said each student stood down displayed behavioural issues needing to be addressed.

In a newsletter to parents, he said he wanted to "make it clear and simple" to parents and caregivers that he would not accept bad behaviour.

"I understand that you have a strong urge to stand up for and defend your sons and daughters, but it would make Bruce McLaren a far, far better school if you supported my actions."

Mr Lilley told the Herald his comments were not directed at any particular parents, or made as a result of complaints about the way he had disciplined students. They were instead a plea for parents to get behind him in his endeavour to make Bruce McLaren "the best in the West".

His comments were enough to make Heather Hughes, whose son was disciplined earlier in the term, speak out publicly in support of his stance.

Ms Hughes said Mr Lilley had dealt with her son promptly and fairly after some "argy-bargy" with another boy. As a result, her son, who was given an unofficial stand-down, "hasn't ever been down that road again".

She said her boy was now regularly coming home talking about Mr Lilley's growing reputation.

"Most kids know now where they stand with him - that man's not to be messed with ... The kids won't think it's fun ... but mark my word, give it a year and you'll be amazed at what comes out of it," Ms Hughes said.

Mr Lilley said some of the recently stood-down students had been disciplined for only a day - with work to do at home - before returning with family to discuss a way forward.

"The whole idea is wanting them to go away and reflect on the situation that got them stood down and how they could have done it differently."

Some were stood down for longer but all are involved in a service involving pastoral care and restorative justice once they return.

Mr Lilley said Bruce McLaren Intermediate, like all schools, had some periods when pupils pushed the boundaries more than others. Other times there were no problems at all.

He believes his first term as principal was a "honeymoon period". This term, students are "testing the waters" to see what they can get away with.

His message is clear: crossing the line, even a little, will result in some form of discipline.

Mr Lilley makes no apologies for his strict ways, saying that "long term, parents will send their child to this school because they know it is strict".