THE EDITOR, Sir:WHEN I was in high school, there was a 'dean of discipline' at the school. This person, as the name suggests, was in charge of discipline. He was not a 'regular teacher', that is, he did not teach classes. He walked around 'patrolling' at intervals and, by the end of the day, collected the 'Beadle's slip', which was a piece of paper with a summary of the class's daily happenings.
The dean would, on collection of this slip from the beadle (class monitor), make an inventory of the disciplinary record of the students.
I think this system is still effective, especially for boys who tend to need discipline in this way. But today, many schools, including all boys ones, do not have such an individual or, at least, a full-time one. They may have a teacher or two who function in this capacity along with their regular teaching duties. But having this post is not enough. It is the individual who will make it effective (with a properly organised system behind him).
The dean at St. George's College at the time, Mr. Porter, was a man of authority. He never shouted, was always calm and decent, but very respected. I am not saying all deans must be like this man was. But I am saying all deans must be. And in whatever way needed, the person's role must be effective.
I think, because of the way the society is now, it must be mandatory that all schools (especially all boys) have a dean.
I am, etc.,
NICHOLAS ALEXANDER
nic7lex@hotmal.com
jamaicayouth@yahoo.com
