Roosevelt High School principal condemns disastrous Matric Dance

The principal of Roosevelt High School in Johannesburg has published a stern open letter condemning the disastrous events that took place at the school’s recent Matric Dance.

The event – held at the upmarket Avianto Hotel – was cut short after pupils arrived under the influence of alcohol and drugs, threatened staff with firearms and left the venue in an “unacceptable condition”.

ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL CONDEMNS DRUNK, DRUGGED GRADE 12 LEARNERS 

In a lengthy open letter posted on the school’s official Facebook page, Roosevelt High School principal Cristèl Venter expressed her shock and disappointment at the behaviour of some learners who attended the Matric Dance at the Avianto Hotel in Muldersdrift.

Venter had initially skipped the event due to illness, but had been called in to intervene after things took a turn for the worse.

Venter revealed that learners had arrived under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and had threatened staff with firearms during their rowdy procession and reckless driving into the venue. Intoxicated learners became violently ill, vomiting all over the five-star venue.

The principal decided to cut short the Matric Dance in a bid to de-escalate the deteriorating situation, but was met with contempt and verbal abuse from parents, who angrily confronted school staff.

She shared: “In my 19 years at Roosevelt High School, I cannot recall another evening in which I apologised as many times as I did that night…to venue personnel, to staff, and to some learners who had done absolutely nothing wrong”.

The principal vowed to launch an investigation and disciplinary proceedings into the event, vowing to take action against individuals “lawfully, fairly and in accordance with due process”

“Where misconduct is established, there will be accountability.

Venter urged parents to enforce “manners, boundaries, respect for other people and understanding that actions have consequences”

She added, “The behaviour witnessed and reported last night will not become normal at Roosevelt High School. We can and must do better”.

CALLS FOR STRICT REGULATION OVER MATRIC DANCES

On the Facebook page, Roosevelt High School reposted a video by podcaster Penuel Mlostshwa, who weighed in on the school’s disastrous Matric Dance.

Mlotshwa urged South African schools and parents to regulate Matric Dance events, curbing unnecessary expenditure and financial pressure on parents.

He shared: “There is a lot of pressure on kids and their parents to buy very expensive clothing, and sadly, this now becomes a show off”

Penuel proposed that grade 12 learners enjoy a farewell event on school premises, during school hours, and wearing school uniforms.