Student stood down two days for upskirt photo of teacher

The Year 11 pupil at Francis Douglas Memorial College used his cell phone to take a picture up the skirt of his female teacher during class. Photo / Thinkstock

A New Plymouth student stood down for photographing up his teacher's skirt has returned to school after just two days.

The Year 11 pupil at Francis Douglas Memorial College used his cell phone to take a picture up the skirt of his female teacher during class.

School principal Martin Chamberlain told the Herald tonight that a classmate of the boy reported the incident to the school's guidance counsellor, who then passed on the information to the deputy principal.

Following an investigation, the student admitted to doing the act.

The boy also admitted to showing the picture to other students, Mr Chamberlain said.

"The deputy principal examined his phone and was assured that the image was deleted and hadn't gone any further and we are very hopeful that that is the case."

The student was disciplined by the school and was stood down for two days.

"Now we're looking at the restorative practice options - that we're relying on that teacher to give us guidance in, because she's the offended party.

"We're also looking to the educational aspects, being a school - how we can improve our policies, procedures and student awareness of the fact that this offensive, improper behaviour and the use of technology in this manner is not only illegal but is offensive and can cause irreparable, emotional harm to people."

Mr Chamberlain said the school board would also be looking to clarify and publicise its policies more clearly on the matter.

He confirmed the teacher was an employee at the school and continued to be following the incident.

Mr Chamberlain said people will have their own opinion on whether a two day stand-down period was long enough.

"Yes, I had to make a judgement call based on the evidence available at the time and that's what I decided at the time."

Police were not involved at any point as far as he was aware, he said.

Mr Chamberlain said it would now be up to the teacher, as the offended party, to take the matter to police.

"We're very disappointed that it happened. Young people do silly things and it's often without any sense of the deep emotional harm that that can cause and I hope it was just a silly thing and there's nothing more sinister attached to it."

He said a lot of work with the school counsellor was now needed, and he wanted police to come in to the school to talk with students about the gravity of the matter.

Mr Chamberlain said the student had showed regret for his actions, as had his parents.

"His parents have been very accommodating and have backed up the school in what it's done."