‘When the eyes of the masses are unable to see the exercise of punishment, what happens to legitimacy or authority?’ asked Michael Foucault, the distinguished 20th-century French philosopher.
There can be no such thing as a stable society without punishment, from the family up to the state. Provided it matches the severity of the crime, punishment for the sake of retribution and, if necessary, restitution is Justice. But punishment with the intent to correct, improve and empower the offender is Discipline. This is why parents should discipline their children, and teachers should discipline their learners too.
Just one or two generations ago, children and learners were still very respectful of their parents and teachers. Now, with teary eyes and shocked senses, we are experiencing the reverse. This is why the staff and parents of Elmore Primary School in Willowmore have come up with an ingenious, effective, and quite commendable form of punishment.
For learners, events like graduations and farewells are very important. These end-of-year festivities mark the successful completion of major phases in their lives and school careers. As such, they are prestigious events for learners as well as their parents. In fact, just the thought of taking part in these celebrations helps to motivate learners to study hard and behave well.
The elegant outfits, magnificent decorations, fancy cars, mouth-watering refreshments, festive music, cheering crowds, congratulations and praises, inspiring speeches … all of these are a very good incentive not only for the learners, but teachers and parents too. Indeed, one can safely say that every learner strives to reach these celebrations one day.
You can therefore imagine how disappointed, angry, regretful, and distressed a learner would be if he or she were barred from participation. However, this is exactly what Adrie Meyer, principal of Elmore Primary School in Willowmore, and her formidable school governing body (SGB) did to 21 Grade 7 learners. Specifically, they were excluded from this year’s mini-matric farewell party.
Disgruntled community members and parents came to me to complain. As as result, on Wednesday 4 December, I met with Mrs Meyer and members of the SGB to find out why. Ultimately, I was greatly impressed by their commitment to their tasks and their dedication towards the present and future success of their learners.
Principal Adrie Meyer (right) and SGB chair Madeleine Japies (left) at the memorable mini matric farewell.
Present were Mrs Madeleine Japies, chairperson of the SGB; Mrs Jo-Anne Davids, the deputy principal; and three department heads, Mr Lyle Dryling, Mr Elton Cornelius and Mrs Carmen Luiters.
I gathered that the decision in question had been taken during a parent-teacher meeting held on 23 July. Actually, Mr Cornelius pointed out that the decision had been taken by the parents. They had met in the beginning of the academic year to discuss, among other things, the vital issue of discipline.
The parents were quite willing to assist the teaching staff on this score, as the current education laws and regulations have left them with very restricted means of disciplining learners. Thus it was soon decided that recalcitrant learners, who were stubborn and exhibited deviant behaviour in the course of the year, would be barred from attending the mini-matric farewell at the end of the year.
“What would become of our respect and authority if we threaten to do something and we don’t do it? Would anyone ever take us seriously again?’ Mrs Meyer said. She was clearly concerned, yet spoke calmly and reasonably.
‘This year, a principal was killed in his office by a learner, and a rock was thrown at one of our teachers. Sometimes,’ she added jokingly, ‘I feel like hiring a bodyguard. The situation is very bad. Discipline in schools nowadays is deplorable. How does one condone learners smoking dagga at the river during school hours?’
Mrs Japies added: ‘What would become of our schools if nothing is done to discipline students who behave badly? Wouldn’t this be a terrible example to their mates and juniors?’
Mrs Meyer went on to explain that the school was not bound by law to organise a farewell for departing grade sevens (known informally as a mini matric farewell). ‘We’re doing it out of the goodness of our hears,, as a goodwill gesture, and a token of our care and love for our learners. In fact we’re the ones paying for everything. We have to knock our heads and struggle to raise the funds to sponsor the event.’
Proud grade sevens at the mini matric farewell.
The farewell eventually took place in on Thursday 5 December in the Willowmore Secondary School Hall. It was, in a word, fabulous. The tables were beautifully decorated, and laden with snacks and soft drinks. The learners and teachers alike were gorgeously dressed. Even the guests were radiant.
Mrs Meyer and her colleagues made sure everything ran smoothly, thereby demonstrating gtheir love for and dedication to their learners not only in words but in action too. They had actually prepared the food and everything else for the occasion.
The handsome Mr Lyle Dryling was the programme director. His performance was just as awesome as his outfit. He made many inspiring statements, including insightful references to the school’s motto: “Reik Na Kennis”.
Mrs Mershel Adams delivered a touching opening prayer, and Mr L. Raffertie gave a moving opening speech. Fazzlin Harris, the outgoing Head Girl, spoke gracefully, and thanked all the teachers as well as parents. The Head Boy for 2025, Jacobs Junade, spoke too – he said he and his class were inspired by everyone’s effort, and could not wait for their turn to come next year. Then everyone in the hall stood and sang the school anthem, with emotion and respect.
The young and beautiful Miss Chantal Manuel was one of the keynote speakers. She gave the young learners five important maxims. Here are just two of them: “Everything you do will leave a mark. What is inside you is better than anything without.” She went on to tell a meaningful anecdote —Maths is easy, Jesus is always the answer — and reminded learners that they all have the potential to do wonderful things. ‘So don’t be afraid.’
The next speaker was the principal, Mrs Adrie Meyer. She danced briefly before speaking, which lifted everyone’s spirits. She started by thanking everyone involved, especially the learners, teachers, and members of the SGB. ‘Five years from now, I want to see you all studying at UNISA,’ she said.
She then exhorted learners to ‘always make the right choices; when you don’t know, ask. Don’t let friends put you down. Never forget what you have. Never lose yourself. Don’t be discouraged. Never despair when difficulties come your way. Study hard. Work for your future, and put all your trust in Jesus.’ She then wished them all the best, and predicted that some of them would become doctors, lawyers, police officers and teachers.
Mr Lyle Dryling and SGB member Miss Pumesa (Pushi).
This was following by a beautiful and touching song: ‘Die goeie ou tyd’. We shook hands with one another while singing. After this, Mrs E. Sampson opened the tables for refreshments with a solemn prayer, and asked the learners to join her in saying the words.
Both the food and service were first rate. In closing, Mrs N. Draai exhorted the mini matriculants to ‘thank your parents for making you people so beautiful today’. She also predicted that they would all pass the grade seven exams. After that, the all-important photos were taken.
I spoke again to Mrs Meyer. She said the teachers had organised the whole event, and had also managed to collect most of the money. Every single face in the hall was glowing.
Teachers preparing the food.
Looking back at this successful and splendid event, I can say with certainty that this uncommon method of discipline is quite potent. Those learners who were barred from attending have definitely learnt an indelible lesson, and – even more importantly — those in grade 6 and the lower grades must have learnt it as well. They will surely do their best to behave and to take their studies seriously in the future. Kudos to the principal, her gifted and dedicated team of teachers, and the passionate members of the SGB.