Mr Minister of Education, I think it's time that all teachers and principals be held accountable for identifying each registered child who misses school when a note confirming their absence is not received from their parents or caregivers. By the way, are the adults responsible for minors mandated to send written and signed excuse notes to their children's teachers excusing their absence, their late arrival, non-conformity with the school's uniform regime?
And another thing, where are the mandatory rules my sisters and I grew up with ie, no large, gaudy jewelry for girls and boys, no nail polish unless it's "natural," no long nails and neat hairstyles are de rigueur (no boys' high mohawks and gold polo earrings nor girls' two to three-inch large gold hoops and worse the anything-goes hairstyles)?
Why are these basic rules of conduct allowed to be flouted by these children? And how come at the so-called "prestige schools" this lack of standards is not tolerated? I am sure you grasp that our education system continues to perpetuate a division in society which breeds nothing but anger and contempt in the children.
Why are children in their school uniforms seen in chicken and chips shops, malls and other establishment outside of school hours? They must not be served! NALIS does not allow children of school age on their premises before 2 pm. It's high time, Sir, that yourself and staff, TTUTA, the PTA meet to regularise and rein in these runaway children, and educate their parents and the population in general on the type of conduct required of all their offspring when attired in school uniform.
Better needs to be done to safeguard our children and their welfare, even against themselves even if they feel "policed." Minors already have too much leeway; no limits at home apparently because they're young; no borders at school and that breeds a lack of respect for authority in all forms.
What, Sir, do you intend to do about this situation?
Catherine Hidalgo