LETTER OF THE DAY - School principal facing violence'
published:
Friday | February 22, 2008
'The principal shall maintain a safe learning environment for the students'.
The above is a part of the job description of the principal, as stated in a document issued by the Ministry of Education and Youth. To what extent can the principal perform this duty satisfactorily?
On Monday of this week, a gentleman who worked at Camperdown High School's gate during the night, and who lives directly opposite to the school, walked unto the compound, passed all the students who were gathered for assembly, climbed the stairs and approached the principal on the balcony. This man was armed with a knife. The school was singing the anthem during the weekly flag-raising ceremony. The police were called.
Attacks and threats
This episode was one in a series of incidents which the police had to be called. The gentleman in question was asked to leave his position as night watchman because of his attacks on students and threats to adults on the school compound.
The police informed us that they could do nothing to keep this man away from us. On Tuesday, help was sought from the Bellevue Hospital. We first learned that they could not take him unless a relative signed a letter to commit him to their care. Someone was located. By this morning, the gentleman was back, attacking persons on the road and attacked one of the workers. I must also mention that several persons have informed me that I should take precautions since he had promised to have me killed on Friday if he does not get $100,000.
Could somebody tell me, what more I can do to ensure the safety of the students and the staff. There are so many safety issues plaguing our schools today. The above is just one of the situations which frustrate our efforts at maintaining a safe school environment.
Another is the school being required to hold quasi court sessions without the necessary security present. When a student is facing the board for a matter which may result in expulsion, every aspect of that hearing is required to be carried out in a manner akin to a regular court hearing. The difference is, in a regular court, police officers are present.
At times, we all feel unsafe in that room. I personally have been threatened. These hearings should be removed from our schools.
Safety in our schools is the talk these days. I listen and I hear the contributions of many. I also hear the responsibility that is placed on the principals. I just want others to look at the job description of principals and look at the examples I have presented. Imagine the amount of time that is required to engage in the activities associated with this. The conclusion that I know you will all come to, is that the nation should pray for our principals.
