Pupils Get Detention After Missing Mass

7 October 2016, 18:14 | Updated: 7 October 2016, 18:26

Dozens of pupils at a high school have been given detention for truancy by failing to attend a religious service.

About 50 senior pupils at Taylor High School in New Stevenston, North Lanarkshire, were disciplined after they turned up for school in the morning but were absent for the annual Patron's Day Mass in the afternoon.

The Mass was a memorial service for two teachers who had died earlier in the year and also celebrated Saint Teresa.

It is understood a letter was sent to the parents of pupils around a week before the service on September 30 indicating that all pupils were expected to attend and no concerns were raised with the school prior to the event.

Nicola Daley, acting head teacher at the Roman Catholic school, said: ''Our entire school held its annual Patron's Day Mass on Friday September 30, with Bishop Joseph Toal as its principal celebrant.

''The theme for the celebration was Saint Teresa of Calcutta (formerly Mother Teresa) and highlighted her work with the poor.

''It was also a memorial service for two members of our staff who died in May 2016 after giving years of service to the school.

''Their invaluable contribution to the school community was highlighted during the service.

''Regrettably, a small number of pupils, who had attended school in the morning, opted to truant in the afternoon and miss the service.

''The pupils have been subject to school discipline as a consequence of their actions.''