THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE FOLLOWING anecdote circulated during my days at school as to the different approaches of our headmistress and deputy head, both now of blessed memory:
Two dogs following the call of nature were mating in the frontyard of the school. Our headmistress summoned her deputy to remove the offending canines and end the spectacle.
SPECIAL WAY WITH DOGS
The very practical deputy, who taught mathematics and the sciences, was well known for her special way with dogs and her whistle which she often used to demonstrate the higher pitch of a dog's sense of hearing.
Upon her arrival at the scene, instead of banishing the dogs from public view, she is reported to have exclaimed, "Oh, what a wonderful lesson for my biology class!"
I recall this anecdote as I read reports over the past week of the 'Kingston College incident'. I thought that this incident, too, presented a wonderful opportunity for a life lesson.
While the teacher's side of the issue has not yet been reported, it is not difficult to imagine and indeed empathise with the frustration of a teacher who tries to restore order in a classroom of boys where a 'bomb' (flatus) may have been let off.
How often as parents haven't we been tempted to overreact, and indeed have overreacted, at the seemingly inane behaviour of our children?
It is easy to say what should have been done but I believe that is not too late for parents and school to meet and approach the matter in a way which will help the boys to understand their bodily functions, the polite reaction to such incidents, respect for other people's sensitivity, in other words, good manners and basic home training.
I am, etc.,
VERLETA V. GREEN
31/2 Latham Avenue
Kingston 6
