The publicised report of physical abuse of a pupil by the Principal of PWA hopefully will open up the true story of what has been going on behind the scenes at that school for many, many years, because if there was one alleged incident, it finally confirms there have been many more.
I hope that when the Department of Education looks into this matter, it also takes the time to speak to the teachers and listen carefully and realise the facts. A teacher should have the right of privacy to report incidents and not be penalised. It is not the first time the Principal has abused her power, and not just concerning a pupil.
Now is the time. More parents and teachers need to continue to speak out to protect their children and pupils. A school is supposed to be a safe place, and it is ridiculous that a child still has no protection from a cruel world in exactly the environment where he/she is supposed to be encouraged to blossom, and not be physically intimidated by a figure of authority who is supposed to be educationally qualified and emotionally stable, and be able to display the proper reaction to a pupil's behaviour at any time.
And, despite considerable donations to the school over the years, it continues to be physically run down, with many hazardous areas where children can be physically hurt.
This is definitely another indication of some very bad management going on.
Overall, the situation is appalling, and hopefully, this time, the correct procedures are being taken to protect the pupils and staff from the further abuse of "power."
I am in total support of protecting pupils and teachers.
Name withheld at author's request.
