Jordy Goldsack with a bangle similar to one that she had to cut off to comply with school rules.

A Palmerston North teenager was forced to cut off a bracelet given to her by her deceased father as it does not comply with school rules.

Jordy Goldsack​, 13, cut the bracelet off on June 9 after Palmerston North Girls' High School informed her further action would be taken if it wasn't removed.

The year 9 student said about half-way through the first term of school someone noticed she was wearing the bracelet.

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Her mum Judith Goldsack​ said the bracelet was given to Jordy by her father when she was younger, and he died in 2007.

It had since become too small to pull off over her hand, so the only way to remove it was to cut it off.

As it was an important connection between Jordy and her dad, Goldsack said they had explained to the school why it was important to her and what it meant to her, thinking an exemption to the rules might be made.

However, no exemption was made and earlier this month the family received a letter from the school.

"They sent me a letter saying if she returned to school with it on she would be given a detention and if that didn't work they would take further steps," Goldsack said.

Prior to the letter, she said they had tried to come up with a solution that would suit both parties.

"We put a wrist support on to cover it."

But the school would check under the support to see if the bracelet was still there and then ask for it to be removed.

After the letter, Jordy told her mum to cut the bracelet off.

"We had a family friend remove it ... and Jordy has been a mess."

﻿Goldsack said the loss of Jordy's father had an effect every day.

Palmerston North Girls' High School principal Karene Biggs said Girls' High had very well-publicised expectations and values.

"Parents are free to make a choice as to whether or not the values, beliefs and expectations of our school fits with their values and beliefs."

She said all students enrolling to attend their school received a comprehensive handbook that outlined those expectations.

"When issues arise, there is always full consultation, meetings and consideration for individuals, as well as others."

Goldsack said the school had told them if she cut off the bangle, Jordy could wear it around her neck as a necklace.

They felt the only other option was to change schools but Goldsack said Jordy had just finally got settled at Girls' High.

"She's finally got some friends that can support her after having some bullying issues."

Goldsack felt situations like this should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

"We're not doing this just to be stubborn – there is a reason behind this."

Jordy said cutting of the bracelet had made her sad.

"Even when we told them the reason and stuff they wouldn't understand."

Goldsack said they accepted they had broken the rules, but the outcome seemed unfair.

Biggs said: "Students are fully supported to make decisions and parents are involved in this process, with time given to make any necessary changes."

Biggs said she believed it may not be in the best interests of the student to publicise her concerns.

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An earlier version of this article said the pictured bangle was the one given to Jordy by her late father. Stuff has since been informed that the bangle was similar in design but not the original, which had been misplaced.