Wayne's world: It's school on Saturday

BEN CURRAN/Marlborough Express

NO NONSENSE: Marlborough Boys' College principal Wayne Hegarty thinks it is important for students to learn that there are consequences, both good and bad, for their actions.

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Misbehaviour now carries a far heavier penalty at Marlborough Boys' College, with the introduction of Saturday classes for students who fall foul of school rules.

The scheme to deter bad behaviour was instigated at the start of the term by new principal Wayne Hegarty. The idea has been adopted from Rangiora High School, where Mr Hegarty was deputy principal before landing the top job at the boys' college.

He said the move had proved so popular with parents that some even wanted to enrol their sons in the Saturday classes.

Students, however, did not like having three hours of their weekend taken away from them or having to walk around in school uniform on a Saturday.

"It's a message that there will be a consequence," he said.

"It's a consequence that has more impact, I would suggest, than a lunchtime detention."

Mr Hegarty said standing students down was often seen as "cool" in students' eyes, as troublesome students were not required to attend school, whereas the new punishment structure held real repercussions – the "punishment fits the crime".

For example, if a student was caught vandalising property, he would be asked to help clean up the school. If it was a case of truancy, he was ordered to do class work.

Mr Hegarty said staff had been willing to help run the Saturday classes. To date, the special classes have been held most weekends, with anywhere between two and 10 boys in attendance.

Mr Hegarty said that if a student was involved in sport or had to work on a Saturday, a solution would be found.

The scheme only worked with the approval of parents, he said.

"The support from parents so far has been great. I've even had some parents ringing me asking if their kids could go to Saturday school."

Parent Evelyn McLean said the tougher penalty was a great way of disciplining students.

"I back him. I want him to give it a shot," she said.

Board of trustees chairman Phil Robinson said feedback showed that the Saturday classes were working well in terms of keeping bad behaviour in check.

"It's about them learning a lesson that they can't cross a line without having some consequences."

PTA president Jen Insley said she supported anything that would keep the boys on track.

She said the Saturday classes showed the students that there would be consequences for their actions, which was an improvement on past years.

Marlborough College Old Boys' Association member Richard Harvey said Saturday school was an "absolutely brilliant" idea.

"Saturday is their [students'] day, so hopefully by doing this they will learn to pull their heads in."

Year 13 student Jamie Hawke said he knew of boys caught fighting who had to do physical exercise as punishment.

"It's not worth getting in a fight or bullying anyone with that kind of stuff happening."

Fellow student Fraser Anderson said students were more respectful and took more pride in themselves and the school since Mr Hegarty started. The students liked him, as he spent time wandering the school talking with them.

Both agreed that Saturday school was a good idea.

Mr Hegarty said the school was focusing on respect, as students and staff had identified it as a key value.

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Liam   #7   05:16 pm Mar 17 2010

lol, So the principle must think his students do not like his school, if he is going to punish them by making them come back on Saturday. If students dont want to be there, they are not going to learn, and is now wasting more tax payers money.

Keri   #6   08:34 pm Mar 16 2010

Finally someone with common sense who brings back the simple facts that we are all responsible for our actions.

Mike   #5   04:14 pm Mar 16 2010

"Mr Hegarty said that if a student was involved in sport or had to work on a Saturday, a solution would be found."

If the student is involved in sport... All the better. That'll really make it sink in. Half the problem kids I remember from MBC in the 90s were that way because they thought their extra sports privileges made them above the rules.

sarcha   #4   03:53 pm Mar 16 2010

This is good news!! I wish more schools would do this!

RB   #3   01:47 pm Mar 16 2010

I only read the first paragraph and can tell you that this isn't news - this is something you would put in a school newspaper or local town rag. Disappointing Stuff.

LOWKEY   #2   01:20 pm Mar 16 2010

brilliant!! you need to run the country!

Frankie   #1   01:03 pm Mar 16 2010

I don't believe it.... a decision made with common sense and logical thinking! I remember back in the day it was so cool to get suspended, you were totally idolised. Speaking as an ex bad girl - WELL DONE! :-)

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