FIVE Corporate Area high school principals have condemned a street brawl among students from their schools, in which a number of them were injured, and have promised that those involved will be dealt with in accordance with the disciplinary measures outlined in rules and policies of each institution.

Additionally, the principals said they are “collaborating with the police to ensure that appropriate legal actions are taken”.

The principals
— Sian Wilson, Calabar High School; Keven Jones, Mona High School; Wayne Robinson, Jamaica College; Margaret Campbell, St George’s College; and Dave Myrie, Kingston College
— expressed concern over the altercation in a joint statement issued on Thursday when a video of the brutal fight, which took place on Wednesday, emerged on social media.

It is not immediately clear what started the brawl; however, there have been reports that young love is a factor.

The video shows male students, mostly from Calabar High School, involved in the fracas on Molynes Road in St Andrew. One student was seen with blood on his forehead, another was mobbed by a group of boys who threw him to the ground and kicked him repeatedly. One even lifted a bicycle and threw it on the boy being beaten.

During the melee, another boy was seen clutching his side while voices were heard saying that he was stabbed.

The principals, in their statement, said that the altercations occurred in the Half-Way-Tree bus park on Wednesday April 17, 2024.

“Such behaviour is unacceptable and goes against the values of respect, civility, and cooperation that we strive to instil in our students,” the principals said.

“We want to assure parents, guardians, and the public that a thorough investigation is under way to determine the facts surrounding the incidents. The students involved will be dealt with in accordance with the disciplinary measures outlined in our respective school rules and policies. Additionally, we are collaborating with the police to ensure that appropriate legal actions are taken.

“It is important to emphasise that this kind of behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated. We are committed to creating a safe and nurturing learning environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Acts of violence or aggression have no place in our educational institutions or public spaces. Our students must recognise and understand that they are ambassadors for the school, both on and off the school premises.

“We urge parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about the importance of respectful behaviour and conflict resolution. We also encourage students to report any incidents or concerns to school authorities immediately, so that prompt action can be taken to address them.

“Together, as a community, we stand firm in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct and ensuring the well-being of all students. We will continue to work together to promote a culture of understanding, empathy, and peaceful resolution of conflicts,” the principals said.

On Thursday afternoon, Mona High Principal Keven Jones was heard on radio saying he had dismissed school for the remainder of the week.