Muckup day, no worries

CASEY secondary school principals say they are not worried about ‘muckup day’ pranks as they prepare to farewell their year 12 students this week.
While some schools have bumped up security for the last day of lessons, most are positive their students will be on their best behaviour during farewell celebrations.
Eumemmerring Secondary College principal Brian Burgess said the school had decided to take a proactive approach with the students this year and organised a carnival day.
“This is intended to allow students to let steam off in a constructive way,” Mr Burgess said.
He admitted that while there had been poor behaviour in the past the school had escaped damage over the last four years.
“We will have security guards though,” he said.
“Most times we find that it is people from outside the school that see this time of year as a good excuse to create a bit of havoc.
“We will be talking to the students again at assembly on Thursday (today) about the expectations we have for their behaviour.”
Year 12 students at Hampton Park Secondary College enjoyed celebrations on their last day of school yesterday (Wednesday).
Principal John Peck said it had been a positive day that commemorated the end of 13 years of school.
He said students attended a school assembly in the morning, with year 12s giving speeches and performances.
He said lots of balloons, whistle blowing and good humour had greeted the 1000 students and 20 to 30 parents watching.
He said a fun student and staff football match was also planned for the afternoon.
“There isn’t a school in the country who doesn’t want their kids to leave well.
“The kids are going to celebrate. It’s important to teach them to be safe about it,” Mr Peck said.
Doveton Secondary College’s celebrations will take place next Wednesday.
The school’s principal, Nigel Hutchison, said a farewell breakfast was planned for the school and parents to say goodbye to their year 12 students.
Detective Senior Constable Dean Hedge of Narre Warren police said it was important the students heeded advice given by their schools.
“If schools adopt a zero tolerance approach and criminal acts occur then obviously if they are reported to the police we will be obliged in most cases to act on their behalf,” he said.
Det Sen Constable Hedge encouraged members of the public to report any ‘muckup day’ pranks to police, such as people throwing eggs at passing vehicles from the side of the road.
“If there is damage to schools, houses, letterboxes or graffiti or people are throwing things at oncoming traffic, then people should report these matters to police and they will be investigated,” he said.