Sloppy work ethic rubs off

IN RESPONSE to Khume Ramulifho and Vasco da Gama (The Star, October 30). Ever since 1994, when teachers were allowed to wear jeans, takkies and T-shirts “sartorial decorum”, the status of teachers and principals has taken a nosedive. It is known as the “come as you please” syndrome.

Teachers are now part of the “gang” bosom buddies, that 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, where they feel that they are on the same level as the teachers and principals, thus the problems emanating at schools.

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

I wonder how many teachers prepare proper, interesting and informative lessons? How many teachersmark work, homework and assignments? How many discuss lessons and problems with their pupils?

Pupils quickly pick up on incompetent and overfriendly 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 enquiry 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.

The onceheralded ‘ethos of schools’ no longer exists

Germiston