Apowa (W/R), Oct 18, GNA - Authorities of the Saint Mary's Boys Senior Secondary School at Apowa near Takoradi have dismissed 14 students for poor academic performance.

Seventeen other students, mostly day students, have been placed on probation for poor academic performances while three others have been suspended for indulging in examination malpractices. This was contained in a letter signed by Mr W.E.Debrah-Sarpong, the Assistant Headmaster of the school in-charge of Academic Affairs and pasted on the students' notice board.

Madam Margaret Lemaire, the Headmistress of the school, told the GNA in an interview that authorities took the action against the students on the recommendation of a five-member committee. She said the committee recommended that action be taken against 24 students but the Board of Governors of the school that deliberated on the report of the committee further recommended measures against 14 other students for their poor attendance at school and lukewarm attitude towards their studies.

Madam Lemaire said peer pressure, bad habits, lack of parental care and support were some of the factors that could have contributed to the poor academic performance of the students.

She called on parents to always monitor the academic progress of their children because "It is not enough to pay their wards school fees". Madam Lemaire said the exercise is the second to be undertaken by the school since she became the headmistress two years ago and it would continue until the academic performance of students improved. Meanwhile, some of the affected students have gained admission into private schools in the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolis.