However, if they are in Queens Park during school hours (and not part of a formally organised School event, such as a Sports Day) they are probably playing hookey!
While probably every one of us bunked off school a few times when we were at school, this is not a good idea to encourage. Children need every hour of education provided by their school, especially at High School level.
Also, away from school in an unsupervised area, these children are vunerable to drug dealers and muggers. There are at least two documented cases of children who were mugged (in broad daylight) for their cellphones and wallets in Queens Park.
The local residents do report kids in the park who should be in school, to their relevant institution. The schools are very grateful for such assistance. Where they can spare the personnel, a staff member will be sent to collect the kids to take them back to the school. If that isn't possible, the SAP should be contacted, though our police often have far more important issues to deal with (such as violent crime). Another option is to contact the relevant Community Improvement District vehicle, who have proven very helpful in the past.
The more often truants are reported, the less likely they will want to use the Park as their preferred venue.
The various high schools within walking distance of Queens Park are:
- Queens Park High School
- Salt River High School
- Zonnebloem Nest School
For a cautionary tale about truancy at Queens Park, click here.
For more on Queens Park Issues, click here.
