The principal of Balclutha Primary School has labelled the theft of two ornamental pencils from the school's front gate ‘‘disappointing'' and a ‘‘nuisance''.
Principal Paddy Ford said the pencils were reported missing on Anzac Day. They were part of a set of four at the entrance to the school.
About 2m tall and brightly coloured to represent the school house, the pencils also had the school's values printed on the side.
The red and yellow set pieces were taken while the blue and green remained.
It was a nuisance as there were usually few problems with vandalism and damage around the school.
‘‘It's disappointing because it enhances our environment.''
Pupils at the school were upset about it, he said.
‘‘The pencils are part of the school's culture and now they're gone.''
At about $200 each, replacing the missing pencils was an option but he would prefer to see them returned.
‘‘They're of no use to anybody,'' Mr Ford said.
‘‘I hope they haven't been chucked in the river.''
Sergeant Martin Bull, of Balclutha, said inquiries were continuing and he appealed to the public for information.
