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this position is filled with a view to long-term stability and programming. It is impossible to achieve
long-term goals if the Principal is not a permanent and long-term position.
Middle school climate. (Does the class 5 - 8
middle school concept work?) As students reach middle school, they seem to lose enthusiasm for
academic pursuit and many other extra-curricular activities. Participation in many activities reduces. Self-esteem and pride also drops away. Students
expect to be under-achievers.
Learning difficulties not addressed
adequately. Parents like to know how their child is progressing academically. Being told that the child 'is progressing satisfactorily' is not enough. Is the child above or below average? And by how much? And what can the parent do to help? Specific details are preferred. Testing seems to be a preferred method by parents, however it is rarely done. Sporting
activities are measured precisely, but academic
activities are not.
Self esteem and pride is not apparent in many students. This is often seen to return in a student when the student moves to a new school.
Raina Babos, Gayle Mahnken, Helen Denney, Richard Szekely, Ruth Haw, Graham Haw, Lorraine Allan,
Graham Arnold, Graham Johnson, Lynette Crowder.
Letter to the Editor
When watching news broadcasts, or listening to radio and comments upon the many current conflict-global or local-one is constantly reminded of the good
fortune that we Australians live in a democratic
environment. This situation permits public debate
either in the media or at meetings - that should not be in any manner influenced by those conducting them as either editors or chairmen. The Australian
Constitution outlines the right of all of us to express freely our points of view and concerns without fear of persecution. We may speak openly through whatever medium we choose.
It would be sad and most disturbing, if any public
forum-at local or national level were seen to be
controlled, whether Parliamentary Speaker, or local Chairman, independence in style, void of any personal exhibition of that incumbent's viewpoint is essential. The "Australian" publication of 29/5 highlights this very point. One would hope that local attempts to curb criticism or influence awareness result in similar
apprehension. Often it is not regarded as being
acceptable to the hierarchy. Tactics such as "divide and conquer" or "shoot the messenger" are sadly alive and well at times within our local environment.
Tolerance is always the preferable path; an open minded approach is the majority preference in our
local community. This is very pleasing to see.
Ruth Haw
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