Least of issues

I understand that things are untenable at the institution and that there needed to be some form of action to elevate this matter to those in authority but as a retired teacher, I believe there could have been a different approach by the teachers.

We continue to lambast our young people for their actions and how they choose to deal with situations, but I ask: Where are they getting these patterns from? Who are they copying? We often charge parents for the ill behaviour we see exhibited by children.

We say they are growing up in your home, you are responsible, what are you teaching them? But for as long as I can remember, I’ve heard it said that children live what they learn.

Teachers may think that instruction is limited to the classroom but it is because they are teachers that children look at them closely and take pattern from them.

Children look to teachers for validation and encouragement, especially if it is not available in the home. It may seem unfair, but that is the profession teachers chose and with it comes certain unexpected consequences.

The protest action in itself, and isolated, is the least of the issues.

But when one looks at it in the context of the animosity and lack of respect bandying about that school, the protest simply adds fuel to the flame. It is no surprise then that students got involved in the fracas and now will be losing valuable instruction time.

Isabelle Maraj via email