Teachers need support

January 15, 2002

Dear Sir,

Could someone explain to me the purpose of rules, dress codes, expected behaviour etc.? A society without rules is a society in chaos. Why is the speed limit 32 kph? I assume for the protection of the motorists. As much as we like to drive at 52 and above, we do so at the risk of punishment. Do we have rules and laws to limit? I think not. These things, nuisance they may be at times, serve to protect. Not just others, but ourselves; otherwise Chaos.

Are our schools in society? Unfortunately Bermudian schools reflect society too much. School should be a safe haven, it should be a place where children can come and learn and realise if they get all they can, they can rise above the minimal attitudes of present day Bermuda society. We are let down by parents who send their children to school and fuss because a small rule is broken and they think their children should not be punished.

Years ago, a certain grocery store prosecuted a thief for stealing 25 cents. Many balked at the insensitivity of the store-owner. After all, what is 25 cents? However, years later, it makes sense, stealing is stealing. Very rarely does anyone steal from the store now.

Explain to us please, someone with some common sense, someone that understands the importance of protecting our children, someone who understands rules, why parents, some parents, would complain that CedarBridge Academy is enforcing the school rules diligently? What is wrong with wearing a school uniform? What is wrong with correctly wearing a school uniform? When we work at our places of employment, don't we have a dress code to follow, for the most part? We understand tolerance, but what parents are asking at times is ridiculous.

Over 800 students attend CedarBridge Academy, not one student. We would have chaos if all of them were out of uniform. Why have a rule, if it means nothing to parents? Any parent, whose child has ever been hurt by another student, should understand the importance of students having identification. That school is huge and I am certain, and without a doubt that the teachers do not know all the students; and if anything happens, I am again certain that the parents would want to know what child did what. No identification makes it impossible.

Every student at CedarBridge Academy was given identification that the public paid for, so why not demand that it be used. It is the only way to ensure that the child sitting in your room is who he says he is. We don't understand the fuss.

Maybe we should send students home who do not have paper to write on. We are certain it is the same child who is breaking the uniform rule. Uniforms are the responsibility of the parents, give your child what he should have, any parent that complains about that is saying they are lacking in their responsibility. Parents, you have the responsibility to ensure that your child leaves each day, prepared, uniform, supplies, identification. Do not expect the administration or teachers to do more than they do already; ensure the rules are followed and teach.

Teachers at CedarBridge Academy purchase uniforms for many students. If we know a student is lacking, we do the parent's job and provide. We have seen students whom teachers have supplied with uniforms, ties, socks, and paper too, come to school without them. Following rules is an attitude, and if parents are upset with the enforcing of rules, they are preparing our society for a place that sooner or later they will not wish to live, because it will be a world in chaos. Someone please explain to me this attitude that says even the smallest rule is insignificant and can be broken.

What solution is there to offer when adults have the idea that rules are meant for others and not themselves, because of some greater good like getting an education, when they are all part and parcel of the same thing. We are tired. Teaching is becoming a chore. We invite any parent that thinks these small infractions are acceptable to come and spend a week in our shoes. If one child breaks a rule it can be overlooked, but it is never just one. And many students breaking rules is hell.

GINA E.E. DAVIS AND TINA DUKE

Devonshire

Appeal for assistance

January 13, 2002

Dear Sir,

In the UK I raise funds for various charities by collecting used postage stamps and I would like to do the same while I am in Bermuda on vacation.

I would love to be in touch with any company, big or small, who would assist by collecting all used envelopes with stamps for the next month and ringing me to arrange collection before I return towards the end of February.

I can be contacted at 295-1303. Please leave a message if I am not in when you call.

The charities I support include the Shropshire branch of the Air Ambulance helicopter service which has saved many lives by rescuing people from remote locations in central Wales.

The charities raise funds by selling the stamps to dealers and they always look for variety and overseas and foreign stamps attract a small premium. I look forward to hearing from anyone in Bermuda who is willing to help -- please call anytime and thanks in advance for any help you can give.

DEREK HILL

C/o Mrs. M Smith,

2 Turnstile Lane,

City of Hamilton