Dear Editor,
I respond to the letter captioned ‘Unsuitable dress and music at school parties’ in the Stabroek News (17.12.08). It is my view that the school Christmas party is the only day in the school’s calendar whereby students can dress however they want and flaunt it in the teachers’ faces. Obviously, from the writer’s details it is getting out of hand as the world, and we here in Guyana, embrace a more secular culture. Young people nowadays are certainly not like those ten and even twenty years ago. I remember these things weren’t even an issue even when I attended my last school Christmas party about ten years ago.
But then again, this problem hinges on the school’s administration, doesn’t it? It is the leadership. There must be a good leader. The Ministry of Education certainly has policies with regard to dress code, behaviour and types of music to be played at this event but are they adhered to? Who, Editor, is to see the code is adhered to?
I gather that some schools this year did not organize Christmas parties for their students. Also, many parents kept their children away from Christmas parties, as attendances were very sparse, maybe because they know what goes on at these events.
They may have had experiences from years past when things spiralled out of control. But it isn’t fair to the children not to have this Christmas party as Christmas is really a time for the kids. It is one event where students and their teachers can learn a rather important lesson, in the hidden curriculum, as we say. Socialization and other skills emerge out of these events.
I have experienced Christmas parties at school whereby strangers believe it is their party. They enter and peruse the school building, harassing the young ladies. It is a regular feature at the Vryman’s Erven Secondary School in Berbice at every Christmas party to invite the ranks from the ‘B’ Division police to be present.
Maybe the writer isn’t aware but these vulgarities are also very much present at the schools’ athletics sports across Guyana.
Young people today are a complex bunch to analyse. They all want to be popular and they tend to follow the crowd even if it is not what their hearts desire. They would act and behave in any manner if it makes them look good or make their friends approve of them. This is what is happening at the parties. This is what causes the sacred place of the school to be transformed into a jamboree-like event over the past years
School boards and PTA’s have much to do, yes, but the onus is upon us teachers and school administrators to ensure socialization takes place within the confines of the learning situation. We need to be more stern with what we accept on the days of these events when students dress how they want (especially the females), bring whom they want (again the females), and do what they want at these parties (especially the females).
Here are a few recommendations: in future, parents should accompany their children to these parties. I know that sounds old-fashioned but parental supervision just might be the best thing. It will also dispel all doubts parents have about the parties which will deter them also from keeping the kids at home on the day.
Students should be attired in their school uniforms to attend the parties. Those who do not comply are sent home.
The head teacher, who has the authority to use corporal punishment, should use it on those who insist on not complying with the rules set out for school parties. The current law still makes provisions for this form of discipline but is it really used? This is part of the downfall in the widespread indiscipline that we’re seeing across the schools. Very bad behaviour, which merits the use of corporal punishment, regularly goes unpunished. Letters are sent to the parents, they don’t ever turn up and that’s the end of that.
Instead of lasting an entire school day, school parties should be in the form of a lunch where a more organized formal setting is used class by class. Soft Christmas music is played and not the vulgar rap and hip hop songs. This alone will foster and encourage a ‘Christmas’ environment.
School Christmas parties can be wonderful experiences for the children if held in the proper supervised manner. They can also be very good learning experiences where children can behave decently and enjoy the company of themselves and their peers, as well as teachers.
Yours faithfully,
Leon Jameson Suseran
