Some sixth-form students have used the school’s name to arrange an end-of-term party at a local club. They have invited some staff to go. What should my position be, as head?
I am all in favour of students enjoying a good party, but my strong advice is that you should have nothing whatever to do with it and should advise your staff not to accept invitations.
The students responsible for using the school’s name should be at least reprimanded and the owners of the club should be informed in writing that this event is a private one, for which theschool accepts no responsibility. The students concerned may give assurances about the proper conduct of the party, but if anything did go wrong the presence of staff would inevitably implicate the school and place it in a potentially embarrassing situation. Parents should also be told that the school is not involved.
Send your problems and queries to Archimedes, Times Educational Supplement, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX or e-mail them to helpline@tes.co.uk. Archimedes cannot enter into any personal correspondence
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