Update: Boy injured after blow to head
Andrew Searle, the Grade 8 York High learner who was seriously injured in a dormitory raid last Tuesday evening when struck on the head with a shoe hidden in a pillow case, is doing well.
York High Principal, Francois Moll, says on Sunday (yesterday) the 14-year-old was lucid and joking. “He is much better, but not totally out of danger and, to be on the safe side, he will still be kept in ICU for a couple of days.”
Mr Moll said some of the comments on the internet are laughable. “People are saying the most outrages and inane things. Reports by some papers and their websites that all seven boys involved in the dormitory raid will face disciplinary action are also wrong. Only the Grade 10 boy who had the shoe in his pillow case will face an internal hearing. The boys have been suspended from the hostel for one week and will all be allowed back at the hostel this Wednesday. A date for the one boy’s disciplinary is yet to be set, but it should take place this week.”
At this stage Andrew’s parents are not considering any action against either the school or the individual involved.
The story has made national headlines after, what was meant as ‘hostel horseplay’ went horribly wrong. Andrew complained of a terrible headache after the pillow fight and was rushed to hospital where he was immediately taken to theatre.
Initial reports were that a cricket ball had been stuffed into the pillow case, but Mr Moll denied this. “This was a freakish accident that does not reflect the spirit and warmth of the hostel. We have recently rebranded the school and the idea of ‘heart and soul’ is currently being reflected.”
Andrew’s fellow pupils have been wearing green ribbons to school as the colour green symbolises self-respect, well-being and growth.
ARTICLE: ILSE SCHOONRAAD, GEORGE HERALD EDITOR
Read last week’s article here.
Source: Geroge Herald