I would really like some opinions on this please.
My seven -half year old daughter came home today saying that she was punished in her R.E class because when they played some Indian (Pakistan) music it made her giggle.
She just thought it was strange sounding music, but the teacher sat her down and told her to write a letter of apology to the Muslims in the class.
I am absolutely livid to say the least and really would appreciate some feedback on what I should do.
thanks in advance
icemaiden Mon 28/04/08 18:04
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Quinlad, if I found my 7 year old child was ordered to write apology letters to anyone I would want to know why. Even if that meant I found out my child was being a disruptive, rude, ignorant animal.
If I found out that it was because of exactly what Icemaiden is asserting, then I would have a whole list of questions for the teacher and the head teacher in person, to allow them to fully rationalise and explain their approach to the offence and the discipline enforced. I would even ask to speak to the parents of the children offended.
This is not being unreasonable and is certainly not an over-reaction.
My point about contacting the LEA was to clarify – if the school say so – that it is something condoned or approved by their LEA.
If you are misguided enough to believe this is ‘revolting peasants’ then that is up to you. But don’t bemoan others of their right to understand facts, actions and consequences, and to question them and learn from the experience. I understand you are referring to the “knee-jerk PC gone mad Islamophobic this country’s gone up the swanny brigade.” But unusually for you, it makes you look a bit of a numpty.
Also, this website is a Daily Mail website so as much as we would all like to, don’t diss the Mail!
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Octavius, well put.
But the tone of this has never been to ask questions and find out what happened. It's been, in the main, a furious 'No child of mine... how dare she' witch hunt that has spawned an absolute torrent from dozens of dismayed people.
And it's in no way a Muslim-protecting leftie thing from me. It's about a failure to accept that a child, even one who's 7 (in fact, especially one who's 7) is capable of being rude and disruptive. Kids are famously thougtless and cruel, especially when they can single out others as different. The assumption here seems to be that a teacher is putting political correctness ahead of her kids though.
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Thanks for clarifying that pusspuss.
Quinlad, the fact that the teacher has admitted that things happened as described means that whether the parent witnessed events or not is now irrelevant. It has also been established that going to the media is not a good idea and isn't going to happen.
I strongly feel that there is an issue for the teacher to answer to in this instance and alongside much of what had already been said I've given extra, well thought out reasons why I believe that the teacher's reaction was inappropriate.
I am looking at this from the viewpoint of a mother of a 10yr old child AND as a school employee who has to behave appropriately at work AND as someone who is anti-racist. A pretty balanced perspective I'd like to think.
I only suggested taking the matter further if the teacher refuses to accept that she<i./> overreacted (or at the very least understands why others feel she did), then apologises.
If this happened where I work or at my child's school, l'd fully expect that if the matter didn't come to some sort of acceptable resolution by inolving the teacher and the Head, it would indeed be taken to the Board of Governers. In the meantime I would be checking with the LEA on their policy and thoughts on the matter.
Your stance is based on the fact that you don't think there's any inappropriate behaviour for the teacher to answer for, therefore any further action, as has been suggested, is an overreaction.
I respect your opinion Quinlad, but I have to disagree. The teacher IS answerable to the parents and Head Teacher over this incident and if a resolution is not found then other ways need to be sought to find one throught the appropriate channels.
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Oh dear, bad html tags, apologies folks.
Once again Octavius is the voice of reason.
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Oh, and Quinlad, apologies for my 'shut up' post. It was meant tongue in cheek but the tone doesn't quite come across that way in writing huh? Didn't mean to soundn so rude. Sorry!
I can see where you are coming from. As a school employee it would be hard not to. I just can't agree with you ;-)
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Fair do's. I'm as bad. Appreciated though.
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And here we are 80 posts later, talking about involving the headmaster, the LEA, and, holy christ,
91 posts.so people must be intrested in this post.will it make the big 100
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Question Author
Update Part 2.
Meeting with the Head Teacher.
My partner and I have again reiterated our feelings about this incident to the Headteacher today.
I felt that he listened well and was very thorough in understanding our concerns and reasons as to why we disagree with the teachers actions.
I was very calm and concise in all my answers and I felt that the Head took all my concerns on board. I respect that he cannot make any decision or comment as yet until he speaks to the Class Teacher.
He will be attending a meeting tomorrow with the Board of Governers and he will be getting back to us as soon as possible.
I am overwhelmed with the response from ABers. I truly had no idea I would receive so much good advice and knowledge.
Thanks to you all again
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Hi icemaiden. AB can be quite a good sounding board when there's a 'real' issue at hand.
I've enjoyed getting my teeth into an interesting thread for a change. Been spending too much time on CB!
I am very interested in how this gets handled by the school and what their stance will be. Please do keep us posted on further developments via this thread.
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aprilis=What 'truth' would that be then DrFilth? I see you've got an angle on the story already. I rest my case! :-P
my angle was the punishment by a teacher paid a very good wage.the only person that has mentioned racist was you ,nice and clever to mention that,put icemaiden of from going to the papers.octavius gives good advice your words and even he mentioned press ?,my friends girlfriend is a teacher of young children on over £30,000 a year or is that a lie like what they print in the daily mail,or do they get paid more in merseyside.
what would your slant on the story be.
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''Hallo'' Earth to dopes ! It is NOT insensitive to laugh at music !
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I would say that you should claim damages due to this extra ordinary mental disturbance. You have a very strong case there. Call claims direct. They are extremely professional.
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keyplus 90 you have changed your tune
I have children of my own and agree with jake that children see things differently. You go and speak to her teacher and most probably would find that it was nothing whatsoever.
now you want her to sue the teacher ?
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Oh dear DrFilth, I made a silly attempt at humour there and you have taken it way too seriously. Please don't say you haven't as your attempt to pick apart what I have said in order to discredit me would suggest otherwise. What I have posted was in context and not controversial when read in it's entirety. In fact you have done me a favour really as you've illustrated perfectly the point I was making about not going to a newspaper with this.
Let's not play semantics. It was not my intention to be argumentative. You are as entitled to your opinion as anyone of course. I just thought I was being lighthearted. Sorry if you read it differently. I'd much prefer not to be falling out with anyone.
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Shall we make it 100 posts?
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The teacher is an idiot. Next thing we won't be allowed to eat or drink during Ramadam in case it insults Muslims.
I'd point out that the RE should include lessons in atheism and respect the beliefs of those who think all religion is stupid. People should be able to express that that think something is funny.
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102, and still rising
Aprilis. one simply question is the teacher that i mentioned getting over £30,000 a year a liar or not ?
after all the mail is full of lies so the teachers may be full of lies ?
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I don't see what is wrong with laughing at a religious call. Religion is stupid and irrational and does not deserve our respect.
Many Muslims think it is quite fine to even kill those who do not believe in their god. The moderates of both Mohammedism and Christianity don't have respect for the beliefs of athiests and regularly insult us. The Jews have no respect for anyone including themselves.
The religious hide behind quoting their hideous books. Recently outside a Christian chuch a sign read "Only a fool would deny the existence of God". Is this not an insult? Should not they also apologise?
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DrFilth, with regard to your question, it is entirely possible that a teacher would be earning 30k a year. What they get paid is dependant on experience, qualifications, position, responsibilities etc. I am not au fait with teacher's pay scales as I'm not teaching staff, I'm a Science Technician, but I do know of teachers earning that kind of figure.
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