Although reaction on social media to the cancellation of Milner High School in Klerksdorp’s matric farewell is divided, many people have praised the school’s principal for having a backbone. 

The event was cancelled because of learners’ poor behaviour and academic results.  

Following a Carte Blanche post about the cancellation yesterday, more than 500 people commented, and nearly 2 000 reacted. While public opinion is divided, most commenters appear to support the principal’s decision. 

According to a report by the Klerksdorp Record, the drastic decision followed what school management described as the Grade 12 group’s ‘persistent academic underperformance’ and a general breakdown in discipline. 

In a letter addressed to parents, principal Sam Lupuwana did not mince words, labelling the current Grade 12s as ‘arguably the most disappointing group of learners the school has seen in recent years’.   

The letter was sent anonymously to Klerksdorp Record. The content of the letter was confirmed by the school.  

Farewell cancellation  

Klerksdorp Record learnt that the cancellation of the farewell follows a mandatory meeting held on August 20 for parents of students who failed the second term.   

According to the school, despite repeated pleas for parental intervention and academic improvement, the situation has remained ‘critically concerning’.  

In the letter, Lupuwana highlighted several factors that led to the cancellation, including poor class attendance, a refusal to attend afternoon support sessions and a lack of self-discipline.   

Behaviour caused chaos  

Lupuwana further noted that the group’s behaviour during their ‘40 Days’ celebrations was unacceptable, stating that the learners ‘caused chaos’ and brought the school’s reputation into disrepute.   

“A matric farewell is a privilege, not a right,” the school stated in the circular.   

“We cannot associate ourselves with a group that has failed to show interest in their education throughout the year.”  
  
The school has also distanced itself from any ‘after-parties’ or alternative functions, warning that it will not take responsibility for any events organised by third parties, parents or students in place of the official farewell.  
  
Regarding finances, parents who have already paid for the event were requested to complete a refund form by August 28.   

They have the option to credit the amount to their child’s school fee account or receive a bank refund.   

The school confirmed that no cash refunds will be issued.  

Mixed reaction 

While most commenters on Carte Blanche’s Facebook page supported the principal’s stance on discipline and academic performance, critics questioned whether cancelling the event is fair to high-achieving learners. 

Linda Hardwick applauded the school. 

“Well done. Students are there to study and gain a meaningful education. The matric dance should be the culmination of knowledge, great grades and self-respect and pride in one’s achievement,” said Hardwick. 

One person said: “A principal with a backbone.” 

Mandy Lane Burger said: “You have to set a standard. Back in the day, if there was litter anywhere on the grounds, the whole school would stay and pick up litter after school; if there was too much talking or the slightest disrespect, the whole class stayed behind, etc.  
 
It did not matter how many people were guilty or not. It taught valuable lessons. There was also an immense respect for teachers. None of the complete brattish, entitled, disrespectful behaviour you see today existed.” 

She added that there were proper punishments or lessons for any type of shenanigans at school. 

“There was the utmost respect for principals, teachers, staff, the property we were on, our own property, and we took pride in our appearance and behaviour inside and outside of school.” 

Burger said that they would never have gotten away with what kids get away with today.  
 
“There were rules that were followed and proper consequences if they were not followed.” 

Good idea in theory 

Nikky Olivier said the idea was good in theory but believed the ‘blanket punishment’ approach adopted by many schools and teachers did little to curb bad behaviour and instead demotivated learners who were trying to work in class, listen to teachers and earn a decent Grade 12 pass. 

“Punish the troublemakers, fine. But also reward those who are doing well – it has to work both ways.” 

Not the first cancellation  

This is not the first time a school has implemented such measures. 

According to a report by Cape Town Etc in 2023, two Cape Town schools, St Andrew’s Technical High School and Modderdam High School, also cancelled their Grade 12 year-end dances over poor academic performance. 

Caxton Network News reached out to the North West Department of Education for comment. 
The comment will be added once it is received.  

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