Dear Editor,
I refer to a recent letter in the GC (June 6) by a parent, Ms Amanda Blair, who claimed to have noticed several improprieties at the St Margaret’s Primary School Fair. As a concerned parent who actively supports the school’s initiatives, I was present at the fair and I wish to correct several inaccuracies contained in Ms Blair’s letter and raise a few other pertinent issues.
The music was loud enough to attract attention to the activity, an acceptable marketing ploy if you want to generate excitement and induce people to support the event. However, it was not loud enough to be heard at the next corner, because a few of my friends were at Church’s Chicken and were not even aware that there was a fair going on. As to the type of music, indeed the “bend over” song came on but within a few seconds, I noticed an adult signalling to the DJ not to play this kind of music, and it was taken off. If Ms Blair attended any of the Ministry of Education schools’ Mashramani events, she would have noticed that the music and dancing are no different than what obtained at the fair.
The dress code sign was put there as a guide to adults entering the compound to visit St Margaret’s and Starter’s Nursery, housed at the back. I don’t think the Ministry of Education can afford to pay someone to stand at the gate to enforce same. I know for a fact that teachers and parents would talk to adults who breach the code.
Indeed beer was sold at the fair, but to adults. While I don’t imbibe much, I don’t see why beers should not be sold, as it is a fundraising venture that caters for persons with different tastes.
If Ms Blair was so concerned about the school, she would have been on the PTA Executive, present at the school clean-up on May 26, volunteered at various school initiatives and participated in planning and implementation of the fair. Thus, she would have had an input into how things should be done to preserve the morality of our children and the integrity of our education system.
Finally, instead of calling on the Education Ministry to investigate the operation of the fair, how about asking the ministry to provide the necessary resources to run the school efficiently so the teachers and parents can focus on the education and morality of the children rather than fundraising and cleaning? Or how about asking the ministry to investigate the large garbage pile-up in the school, which poses a health threat to our children?
How ironic that a few weeks after ECHO launched an environmental programme in the school and appointed environmental officers, that the teachers and students have to face unhygienic conditions? What message are we sending to our children when we tell them to keep their environment clean and we don’t lead by example?
I hope Ms Blair and the ministry can truly prove their commitment to the development of education by matching words with action. I hope the garbage is removed by the time this letter is published. See you at the next PTA meeting Ms Blair!
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
