Change attitudes to restore order

THIS IS IN REPLY to Khume Ramulifho and Vasco da Gama (The Star, October 30). Since 1994, when teachers were allowed to wear jeans, takkies and T-shirts, “sartorial decorum” and the status of teachers and principals have taken a nosedive.

It is known as the “come as you please” syndrome. Teachers, as such, are now part of the “gang” bosom buddies, who are called by their first names, with the dire result – no respect.

Schools, in many cases, are no longer regarded as educational institutions, but holiday camps.

No wonder school uniforms are frowned upon by pupils.

Discussing a problem with the principal is like discussing it with the school gardener.

This sloppy attitude by the teaching staff, as well as trying to be “one of the boys”, has resulted in sloppy classwork, sloppy manners and a sloppy attitude by the pupils, who now feel they are on the same level as the teachers and principals, hence the problems at schools.

It also shows up in teachers’ demeanour and work ethic.

I wonder how many teachers actually prepare proper, interesting and informative lessons? How many teachers mark work, homework and assignments? How many discuss lessons and problems with their pupils? Pupils quickly pick up on incompetent and over-friendly teachers and exploit it to the full.

Pride has no longer any place in many of our schools.

The once-heralded “ethos” of schools no longer exists, and that is why our standards have dropped and schools have degenerated into sex dens and in many cases, dens of iniquity.

A commission of inquiry is not going to solve the problem . A change of attitude by both parties is vital.

When are children going to be treated as children instead of miniature adults? Karl Lagerfeld said: “I don’t want to look sloppy because then I feel sloppy”. Too true. Germiston