MOE: All 3 Montfort Secondary students in 'bullying' incident to receive 'appropriate punishments'

All three students involved in the incident at Montfort Secondary School, where two students were seen pushing and kicking one, will receive appropriate punishments, said the Ministry of Education (MOE) in a statement on Mar. 3.

The incident happened following a fight involving the three students.

As all parties share some responsibility for the incident, disciplinary action has been taken to "help them understand the severity and consequences of their actions," MOE said.

The incident

A video of several students allegedly bullying a fellow student was circulated online on Feb. 22.

The video begins with a group of students following one student from behind.

One of the students then runs forward and pushes the boy to the ground while another kicks him.

The boy gets up and continues walking forward, but the student who pushed him earlier catches up and pushes him down again.

The boy falls but manages to get back on his feet.

Investigations completed

The school has since completed investigations into the incident, said MOE.

"The Secondary One student, who was seen being pushed by other students in the circulated video, got into a fight with two classmates in the classroom."

The fight in the classroom was stopped by a teacher, but the fight continued after dismissal when the two classmates followed him to the stairway and canteen.

As all parties share some responsibility for the incident, disciplinary action has been taken to "help them understand the severity and consequences of their actions," MOE said.

The three students involved will receive appropriate punishment which could include "caning, detention, and suspension".

Mothership understands that not all three students will be getting caned, suspended, or handed a detention. And that punishment will depend on their actions during the incident.

All three students have also been counselled, MOE said, adding that the school has engaged their parents on the disciplinary actions.

The school will continue to work with the parents to "provide students with the necessary support both in and out of school".

"MOE understands that a police report was lodged, and police investigations are ongoing."

Any form of hurtful behaviour not acceptable

"Any form of hurtful behaviour is not acceptable and has no place in our schools," MOE said.

"When there are reports of allegations of bullying and fights, our school personnel seek to understand the underlying causes of behaviour, help students learn the consequences of their actions and choices and take responsibility to not to repeat their mistake."

MOE will continue to work with schools to review strategies to manage school incidents, it said.

The ministry also urged the public to give schools and teachers time and space to investigate and work with students and their parents to address such situations effectively.

"We are aware that there may be external parties seeking to exert influence when these incidents happen, and we hope that we can work together to protect schools as a safe space for children to learn and grow," it said.

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