Sandys Secondary principal Melvyn Bassett has submitted a report about a student attacking him at a graduation ball to the school's board and the Ministry of Education.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the June 29 incident at Sonesta Beach Hotel, Mr. Bassett told The Royal Gazette he met with the chairman of Sandys Secondary's board Eugene Cox yesterday and submitted his report.

He also submitted a copy of the report to Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher.

And Mr. Bassett said he will be meeting with the entire Sandys Secondary board next week to determine his next course of action.

Former fifth-year-student Kiwon Butterfield punched Mr. Bassett -- in front of a room full of parents, teachers, and relatives of Sandys Secondary graduates -- after his name was not called during the ceremony.

It is understood that Mr. Bassett and the student's mother had agreed the student would only be allowed to take part in the ceremony if he had his dreadlocks covered in keeping with school policy.

But Mr. Butterfield, who received his graduation certificate with other graduates at the school earlier that week, showed up at the graduation ceremony with his dreadlocks uncovered.

After his attack on Mr. Bassett, he apologised to his peers and parents for disrupting the evening.

But The Royal Gazette understands he has refused to apologise to Mr. Bassett until the principal apologised for "discriminating'' against him.

Mr. Bassett left the Island shortly after the incident.

But the Education Department promised to investigate, stressing it abhorred "the use of violence to resolve disagreement between students and administration''.

And while the department was awaiting Mr. Bassett's written report, Dr.

Christopher stressed it supported the principal.

He noted individual schools had their own policies on dress and uniform. And he said students and parents were expected to adhere to the policy of the school.

Yesterday, Mr. Bassett refused to comment on the incident until members of Sandys board had seen his report.

But he said: "After meeting with the board I anticipate that they will examine closely how it will impact on the school. I believe I will take instructions from the board on my next course of action. I'm pretty sure following our meeting I will have a clear sense of direction.

"There are some serious concerns that principals and teachers have.'' Neither Dr. Christopher nor Mr. Cox could be reached for comment last night.