Students expelled over Queenstown shoplifting

An exclusive Melbourne school, Xavier College, has expelled four students for their part in a shoplifting binge at ski-supply shops in Queenstown.

School principal Christopher Hayes ordered the four to leave because of their part in the thefts in New Zealand just over a week ago, The Age newspaper reported.

"After conducting a thorough investigation, including comprehensive discussions with the students involved and their parents, it has become clear that all students involved have shown genuine regret and remorse for their actions," Mr Hayes said.

The boys aged 14 to 17 were on the last day of a trip to New Zealand when they were caught stealing from the town's central business district.

The students stole about $NZ6000 worth of gear from shops at the ski resort. Some of the clothing later recovered had security tags ripped from them. The boys were apprehended at a bus stop.

Police said the shoplifting spree happened between 2pm and 6pm in seven stores.

On arriving home 16 of 30 that made the trip were initially suspended for a week.

"I have asked four students, because of their level of involvement, to leave the college," Mr Hayes said.

"Their behaviour was unacceptable and goes against everything Xavier College stands for."

The other students involved will have their suspensions extended for up to two weeks and have been placed on probationary enrolment.

They must also undertake 35 hours of community service.

R&R Sport sales assistant Kate Long said last week shop staff became suspicious and questioned the group after they took ski garments into the changing rooms.

Some of the boys ran off when challenged, but were found waiting for a bus with teachers.

A search of the bags by teachers and Ms Long uncovered a variety of stolen garments and souvenirs.

The boys were allowed to leave the country without being charged.

"There are no convictions but their passports have been flagged," Queenstown police Sergeant Steve Watt said at the time.

Xavier College is a boys' Jesuit school and one of Melbourne's most elite Catholic colleges with fees of about $18,000 a year.

The school has attracted negative publicity in the past, including the entire Year 12 group being suspended in 2008 when end-of-year antics led to one student being taken to hospital amid public complaints of students' drunken, violent behaviour.

- NZPA