Undermines morale

I HAVE read the report, "Bitter row after parents banned from school" (May 28), again and find it shocking that you choose to publish further comment that seeks to undermine our teachers' already low morale. There are two points in Wednesday's report which I find so glaringly unfair.

In the first place this unnamed parents' complaints are so weak that I find it strange that you could write such a long and obviously biased report based on such weak so-called evidence. The parent complains about her child being "forced" to write in cursive.

I do not know if you are aware of the fact that it is apparently departmental policy that a child at that stage of his or her learning should be able to write in such a style. Because this teacher was only doing what was required of him or her, he or she is being vilified and threatened with investigation by the very department that makes policy.

Second, the song. What does it tell you when a teacher writes a song to encourage, not just this poor angelic child, but the whole class?

To me it speaks of a person who is devoted to his or her work.

Last, why do these people not want you to publish their names because their excuse that they fear victimisation holds no water. They are obviously known to the school.

I think the reason is that if they do, the real reason for their vendetta against this teacher will be revealed.

I do hope that, on behalf of the untold numbers of teachers who struggle day in and day out to do the work that the parents fail to do, Ms Editor, you please think before you seek sensation.

L de Klerk, Sanctor, Port Elizabeth

THE names are withheld to protect the child. The school and teacher were given ample time to give their side of the story, but they refused to do so. – The editor