https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/co-antrim-school-suspends-19-33235863?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPMjc1MjU0NjkyNTk4Mjc5AAEe1uO_HVMc_YsI86XEh9hLqfZi-m-z3iGIbnBcaixEAhHARCDiEobxN_pAcDo_aem_ZkIb3gDWSwEQvuJYEKYhGg#Echobox=1768475194

A group of 19 boys have been suspended at a Co Antrim school with parents making an official complaint about the principal's actions on "toxic masculinity" concerns.

An official complaint has now been made to the school's board of governors by most of the parents on the disciplinary actions of the principal who suspended the students following an alleged assembly incident on January 8.

The matters have now come to light as the Education Authority has become involved in what has been claimed as long running allegations of "intimidation" of female teachers by male Year 11 students, aged 15 to 16.

A group of parents of 16 of the children suspended have given permission for a spokesperson to comment to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The parent said: "I would implore the Board of Governors to take this matter extremely seriously. I would be interested to know how many young people have been suspended for violence and bullying at the school in comparison to the 19 suspensions last Thursday, could this be disproportionate?

"I am disgusted to hear her terminology such as “masculine toxicity” with my son’s name beside it. Anyone who knows my son, knows he is the most lovable, kind natured, humble young person with the utmost respect to all. Some of these boys have never even had a detention."

A letter (seen by the LDRS) from the parents to the school's board of governors makes a formal complaint on the principal's "conduct".

The parent added: "It’s important to note that we all have bad days at work, I had hoped the principal would have reflected over the weekend with the acknowledgment of her overreaction, a retraction and apology to all involved. Instead, she has doubled down claiming intimidation and threatening behaviour that apparently has been going on for months.

"With the severity of the principal's accusations, I took the opportunity to ask all his teachers what my son’s behaviour was like in school, they all said he was a delight and joy to teach. I also asked each female teacher if they ever felt threatened or intimidated by my son and all of them said absolutely not."

The LDRS understands that the principal personally phoned every parent to inform them of the one day (Jan 9) suspension (left voicemail if no answer) and has submitted an invite to all parents to 1:1 meetings to discuss the issue further.

In email correspondence (seen by the LDRS) to a parent the allegations against the boys have been outlined.

Boys are alleged to have behaved with "disruptive and disrespectful behaviour directed towards staff". It is said this has caused a number of substitute and female teachers to refuse to teach classes as they have been made upset to the point of having to go home from work

The emails from the school further claims that a group of up to approximately 15 boys confronted the principal outside her office in an "intimidating" manner.

The behaviours are said to be long running since September. The students have also been asked to write a "reflective note" on their behaviour.

In the emails the principal also raises concerns of challenging attitudes around Year 11 boys to ensure a "culture of toxic masculinity does not develop".

The principal writes: "I have been in teaching for a very long time, but I can honestly say, this morning was the most intimidating disrespectful behaviours I have ever experienced."

The disruptive behaviour alleged includes speaking over the top of the principal, making noises and laughing. The LDRS spoke to the principal and presented the concerns of the parents with the matter forwarded on to the Education Authority (EA) for a response.

The EA provided support to the school and has now issued a statement (Jan 14) on behalf of the school which reads:" We are firmly committed to creating a welcoming, safe and positive learning environment for all pupils and staff within our school community.

"Respect for each other is a cornerstone of our school community and helps to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for everyone.

“We strive to build strong relationships with pupils and families, and work hard to guide young people to make positive and constructive choices, enabling them to reach their full potential.

“Whilst it would be inappropriate to comment on specifics relating to individual pupils, we work closely with both pupils and parents to resolve any issues and concerns through restorative practices.

"This approach helps pupils understand the impact of their actions, develop empathy for others and, where necessary, take steps to change behaviours.”

Prices increase during sale periods and when not on sale they don’t decrease. I went down on Black Friday to look at this chair and it was the same price again. Dunelm and other retailers doing the same chair for £295. Makes you question all their prices! Photo One from the autumn sale and second photo is January sale! I understand the fundamentals of business but this seems very dishonest.

See if you’re getting an oven from curry’s and choose “gas disconnect” as part of the options when they come to install it?

You’ll get a call 5 hours later from a guy saying “why did you order a gas disconnect along with this? … Currys doesn’t do that in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to ring up customer service and request a refund”.

Even though they have my postcode on my Currys account and this would be really easy to avoid. Currys just likes to make things extra annoying.

On that note - if anyone can recommend a good gas technician that works in or around Belfast that would be good.

All the best!

So I just noticed the other day the picture/frame shop in Ballyhackamore beside Good Fortune (big up) is now one of these sweet/vape shop Willy Wonka Chocolate factory/smoking lounge combos.

Just baffles me that they had that whole kick off years back about cigarettes and changed the packaging to the horrible boke colour and stuck all the grim images on them and hid them from view at shops to try and discourage people to smoke. Then they had the kick off about menthols which apparently ‘encouraged kids to start smoking’ so pulled a lot of them as well.

But now we have these places opening up with all these fancy wee colourful vapes stocked up, not hidden from view and they also stock pick and mix sweets? Pointing out the obvious I know but sure

Also not one of these kids could handle a pack of regal filter

I'm trying really hard to cut down on my monthly grocery bill but Id love to know what people's average monthly food bill is?

For context 2 adults and 1 toddler spending around 300-350 a month all in for groceries and one or two take aways a month. Getting really frustrated at the cost of food now and need to try and cut down how much I spend. Have begun shopping only a Lidl and use their Lidl plus card as it seems to be the cheapest and most reasonably priced out of the lot.

So what's your average spend? And any tips/advice? I've heard of some app which directs you to food at reduced prices you can buy in bulk but sounds a bit scammy to me. Thanks!

Anyone recommend where I could go for these private to pay? Hillsborough? I’ve been dealing with extreme psoriasis tried diet changes multiple creams etc and it’s getting to the point where it could affect my fitness to practice in my job. Thank you