A tense parent meeting has been scheduled at Centenary Secondary School this Friday following a violent brawl that rocked the institution earlier this week. The meeting aims to address growing concerns and inform parents of measures being discussed after a high-stakes stakeholder engagement involving the school’s management and Department of Education officials on Wednesday.
The school was thrust into the spotlight after violent clashes erupted on its premises, prompting the intervention of private security and police. Viral videos capturing the chaos showed students engaged in physical altercations, with large groups running frantically onto the streets. The disturbing footage quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread attention and raising alarms about the safety of learners on school grounds.
At least three students sustained injuries severe enough to require hospitalization, deepening fears about the school’s ability to maintain order. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the violence stemmed from racial tensions between Indian and black learners, a claim that, if substantiated, highlights deeper social issues at play. The clashes forced the abrupt cancellation of classes, with all students being sent home amid the turmoil.
In the aftermath of the violence, angry parents and concerned community members gathered outside the school on Wednesday, enduring the sweltering heat for nearly two hours before finally being addressed by education department officials. Frustration mounted as parents accused the school’s leadership of mishandling the situation. Many criticized the principal’s decision to dismiss all learners instead of isolating those directly involved in the brawl, arguing that this move only exacerbated tensions and chaos.
The frustration has escalated into demands for drastic action. Parents are now calling for the immediate removal of the principal and a complete overhaul of the school’s governing body, whom they accuse of failing to address long-standing issues that ultimately led to Tuesday’s violent outbreak. The discontent underscores a broader dissatisfaction with how the school has been managed, with parents questioning the effectiveness of existing disciplinary measures.
Education officials have since confirmed that statements are being taken from learners and that further investigations are underway. In a letter sent to parents, it was announced that Friday’s meeting—set for 6 PM—will provide a platform for parents to receive updates on the situation and hear directly from department representatives about the steps being taken to restore safety and stability at Centenary Secondary School. Additionally, officials will be engaging with students on the same day, offering them an opportunity to voice their experiences and concerns.
With emotions running high and tensions still simmering, all eyes are now on Friday’s meeting. Will it provide the answers and accountability that parents are demanding, or will frustrations continue to boil over? For the families of Centenary Secondary School, the outcome of this gathering could determine the future direction of the school and the safety of their children
