Get a grip on discipline

It is a poor reflection on Jewish youth, and even more so on their parents, that the head of JFS, Martin Tissot, should have been forced to quit due to his attempt to enforce discipline (JFS head quits after parents complain of ‘army camp’ discipline, 15 October).

It seems that resentment was fuelled by his insistence, among other rules, that pupils should wear ties properly with top buttons fastened. By failing to support these symbolic measures, parents harm their children and JFS. It appears from the article that the previous head had resigned in advance of an adverse Ofsted report.

The failure of parents to support the school authorities in restoring discipline will serve their children ill and underlines the view of many employers that many school-leavers are not fit for employment.

One parent compared the school to an “army camp”. In what sort of molly-coddled world do such parents rear their children? To the youth of Israel, who are required to devote 2-3 years of their lives to disciplined military service, such attitudes must appear risible.

Laurence Factor Stanmore