Whitley Secondary School's threat to withhold the O-level results of students who missed the school's event is bizarre (School to release O-level results of students who missed 'prom'; Jan 12).

The teacher who told the students not to "put yourself in an unfavourable position" on results day advocated a situation that should not have arisen in the first place.

Furthermore, the claim that students who did not attend the event had to pay $110, or $60 more than the $50 paid by those who attended, is a penalty that has no rationale and cannot be condoned.

We take pride in our educational institutions and the example we set for our young students, who are the future of Singapore.

Despite the principal's change of heart and explanation, it is only appropriate that she formally apologises to the students and their parents for the situation.

Tan Ah Ung