Students at Engadine High School have allegedly been threatened with suspension if they continue to visit a public park near the school grounds.
A parent of one of the students told the Leader his child was warned, in assembly last month, that Year 7 students would be suspended if they visited a public park, Lantana Road Reserve, after school hours on a Tuesday.
The parent, who did not want to be named, said he thought the school was overstepping its authority, telling children which parks they can and can’t play in.
He said his child enjoyed visiting the park, but would more than likely spend more time at home now on the computer or tablet rather than playing outside.
“Year 7 students have been turning up at the park on Tuesday afternoons because they get off at 2.15pm,” he said. “I have been down there and there doesn’t appear to be anything unsociable going on.”
He said he did not know why the school had taken the stance and said his best guess was parents with younger children, visiting the park, might have complained.
A NSW Department of Education spokesperson, speaking on behalf of the school, released a short statement about the matter.
“Year 7 students have been reminded that while they are wearing school uniform in public places they are representing Engadine High School.”
No further details were released by the NSW Department of Education. When contacted directly, the school declined to comment, forwarding media requests onto the Department of Education.
The Sutherland Shire Council has not received any complaints about students misbehaving at Lantana Road Reserve this year.
The Leader contacted the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations (P&C Federation) to be put in touch with the school’s P&C president, but did not receive a reply.
Lantana Road Reserve is located on the corner of Lantana Rd and Kingswood Rd. It is about two kilometres away from Engadine High School.
