A BIG thank you to the gentleman who helped me, my friend, and our horses at Drybrook traffic lights on Bank Holiday Monday. Both horses returned home with just cuts and bruises. – Michelle and Lisa (by email).
Schooling a privilege
Writing as a parent and a grandparent, I support wholeheartedly the stance taken by Lakers School in relation to young Mr Corey Turner and his hair stripe.
Standards have been falling in all levels of our society and this needs to be seriously addressed. Young people will, generally, develop in accordance with the training they receive and from examples set by their elders. We in this country, are all privileged that we can receive good schooling to prepare for life in the wider world and we should recognise the responsibilities we have in this.
Parents particularly have a huge responsibility to ensure their children develop in a responsible way, learning to work and play together and showing care and respect for each other. In this training there is ample space and indeed, positive encouragement for youngsters to use their initiative and develop their unique personalities but within the rules set to benefit the whole school.
I would say this to Corey: "In any organisation/society, rules need to be set to enable such organisation/society to maintain good order and function to the mutual benefit of all. We may not like all the rules, but a line has to be drawn, therefore, comply with the rules of your school, knuckle down and take full advantage of the opportunities on offer to you.
"Recognise that the teachers are there to help you realise your full potential and use your senior status in the school to set a good example to younger students who will be watching you."
To his mum I would say this: "Please mum, support the staff of an excellent school who are doing their best to prepare your son for the future in a tough, competitive world. In this you will be showing your love and support for Corey too. He will thank you!" – Pops (name and address supplied).