Diary of a Secondary School Principal: life after the botakgate.

[cherry6]

Botakgate, how one principal can continue to live on

Botakgate, how one principal can continue to live on
"School principal Marion Tan has said that if the girls were allowed to go bald, others might take advantage. 'Can you imagine if I were to say 'yes', I'd have everybody come to school with a bald head,' she told The Straits Times" ['Why make bald stand a hairy issue?'(TNP, 06Aug2013)]

Honestly, if all the Students of St Margaret's (the future leaders and CEOs of tomorrow) were to become cancer society supporters and themselves adopt healthy lifestyles so as to reduce their own risk of cancer (and their consumption of public healthcare dollars), I think that Singapore society would much benefit from their moral contributions. The principal could of course give the girls a lecture before the hair shearing event if she found too many volunteering (?herd instinct), reminding them about the philosophy behind the act,and warning them of the serious repercussions if they made a blasphemed the sanctity of shorn heads (e.g., making jokes about cancer patients, behave obscenely(head banging), adding adornments (patterns)/ other discolorations to bare scalp etc) whether in school or in public- under the penalty of detention class and having to wear a wig with school uniform subsequently.

Anyhow, since the qualifications of Ms Tan seems to be founded upon the monolithic discipline culture, may I kindly suggest the following job options to which she might ideally outperform:
- NEA mosquito and health inspector: they are still hiring, dengue is a perennial problem with increasingly hot weather. Larvae is larvae, none are allowed to grow.
- Traffic police mobile squad/ driving test examiner: the number of traffic offenders she can spot/ fail the better (hand phone use/ drunk while driving, speeding, reckless/ careless driving, driving through reds) will quickly reform drivers of their dirty act with no excuses entertained. Not to mention drastically reduce road fatality rates.
- HDB parking warden: 15 min fine $6, up to 1hr fine $20, no coupon fine $30. Any complains will be like water off a duck's back. The leisurely pace at which wardens can work is a good retirement occupation, free exercise too. Perhaps the financial losses that HDB declares annually will about turn.
- Singapore Police Force: Secret Society, Anti-Loan Shark task force/ CNB Singapore's loan shark scourge needs a strong hand to handle the current discipline methods of SMSS (wearing of wigs, counseling) might so shock offenders that they turn over a new leaf. Continuous counseling 24hrs a day could be applied to the most recalcitrant loan sharks and those over 50yrs age (cannot be caned) and Mrs Tan's voice will be all that they hear in solitary confinement that upon release, these gangsters will probably not hurt a fly.
- Security OIC, Prime Minister's personal security detail: all bases will be covered, no stone left unturned. Singapore's GDP might increase with investor confidence rise.
- SAF Regimental Sergeant Major: she can put the whole unit on parade and inspect the hairdos of every member. Any hairdo looking remotely familiar to her past experience shall be taboo, this shouldn't be too difficult a job to outperform.
- ICA officer: Drugs, weapons, protected plants and animals, persons without travel documents- these must not be allowed to be smuggled across Singapore boarders. I understand that ICA officers are overworked every-time a public holiday happens. The vigilant disciplinarian can perform well in this job.
- Auditor General's Office (AGO): Ensuring the wise spending of money by the government, since "Government continues to suffer procurement lapses: auditor-general" (YahooNews, 17July2013)- any dollar wasted is a dollar less for the poor- perhaps new blood in the AGO can put more pressure on civil service officers to improve their local procurement procedures.
- Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB)- Recently: "Senior CPIB officer charged with stealing S$1.76 million from anti-graft agency" (YahooNews24July2013)- seems like they have a discipline and supervisory problem there. Maybe some expertise from a different perspective can help, just don't concentrate too much on the hairdos, the pulse must be on the figures...


The again, Minister Heng says that "Mrs Tan, on her part, has also reflected on her decision, and understood that the girls wanted to show empathy and solidarity with cancer patients... ...she has supported all 5 in their wish not to conceal their shaved heads." ['No wigs for St Margaret’s five: Education Minister' (TDY, 7Aug2013)]

So if Minister is happy, whom am I to say otherwise but move on; but dear Mrs Tan, sometimes for the grater good of society, its good to move on to a higher plane, the choices aforementioned are vast and suite diverse taste and qualifications.

Then again, as for education, schools in Singapore are the learning grounds for the the leaders of the next generation. As for jobs as educators, the narrow minded need not apply.

[pict source]

[pict source]


Tags:
Discipline, St Margaret's, principal, cancer, charity, education, youth, school, Singapore, morality, law, rules, love, Christian, students,

 

[cherry6]

Why the contract invented by the principal is indeed an embarrassing joke.

Another perspective:

Why the contract invented by the principal is indeed an embarrassing joke.

(Thread source: Mr Heng should not have intervened in bal girl Integrity issue)
This is evidence that the 2 kids did this in retaliation and rebellion. This is why I say Minister Heng should have thought through deeper before he came out to censor the principal.
The message he sends with his words is that it is Ok to question authority and not to keep promises.
The 2 rebellious girls and their parents are now gloating at their glory of over throwing the principal and getting their way. They made use of the media, publicity and even the authorities to get their way. hahahahaha

No need so big font,
Just to tell you why the contract by the principal is indeed an embarrassing joke.

Principal is firstly a guide and a counselor, to teachers and students alike. She is supreme authority to both set the agenda and then the rules to achieve them and then review them continuously. In this case she could easily have made an exception, simply by ensuring that those allowed to have 'unladylike hairstyles' did NOT do so for social rebellion, but for a greater social cause, and made announcements to bolster that aim. The eager students had applied for permission, the principal should respond with courtesy and attention. For double confirmation and deeper consideration, the principle, or anyone whom she should direct, may speak with the parents to poll their views and opinion about their support of the charitable cause. A visit to the Hair for Hope Facebook page would also reveal both the Minister of Education, as well as DPM Mr Tharman's support for the campaign.

As a judge of character, the principal has to decide if the student's intentions are bonafide ones- in alignment with the aims and objectives of the charity concerned.

The job requirements of a competent school principal, as previously mentioned, includes creating and reviewing school rules based upon on moral priorities. Whist general discipline such as a feminine turnout, school uniforms and punctuality might aid some moral achievements such as literacy and the attainment of better grades, the are remain other moral achievements which make for better individuals that are ad hoc and not part of the curriculum. E.g. fund raising for a student struck down by cancer. Anti mosquito activities recommended by NEA in view of a recent dengue outbreak. Lesson periods may be adjusted so as to accommodate such aspirations.

A school is an educational establishment, not an institution recalcitrant, hardened drug addicts. Nurture, rather than discipline should be the foremost aim of educators.

To draw up contracts with children should be the last thing on her mind. It could well be that due to the kid's over-enthusiasm and the principal's seeming nonchalance: 'just go find some cover for the peak', the kids had no conceptualization of where to find wigs and how much each should cost- an neither did the principal give these issues any adequate consideration.
In short, it is neither the job of principals to provide legal assistance, nor to enforce contracts in law; the contract the principal drew up was a stupid joke and the students were correct to deem it as such.

To a student, that the principal agreed was sufficient proof that their application was bonafide- the welfare of cancer kids would be all that is important. If in the unfortunate instance that wigs could not be obtained, then a principal who had a heart for cancer suffering kids would surely not mind- especially so when their result was no different from the handiwork of DPM Mr Tharman who himself shore the head of a 15 year old boy participant. If the boy could bask in his new DPM handiwork outcome, announcing to all his new found joy, then so too could a girl share with her classmates the beauty of new-found affection. Surely the fact that wigs were expensive and hard to find, cause rashes and uncomfortable to wear would be ample reason and but petty inconvenience to a principal who will surely appreciate their new found freedom and joy- the school itself being a Christian organisation- an institution as loving as "God is love" (1 John 4:8; NIV).
Basking in the joy of their new found freedom (to fight in solidarity with cancer suffers), these poor 16year olds must have been shocked at being sentenced to some form of detention, and subsequently, have their parents being presented with a $70 penalty, thanks to efficient henchman assistance of some unthinking parent volunteers (obtaining suspect quality wigs of some ?dubious? source).

Comparing their negative reception with the raucous welcome that of other participants from other (participating) schools received, it is fortunate that parents intervened and saved their children from falling into a state of depression given the persistence of persecution they faced from both parent volunteers and the entire educational establishment.

About a principal who derelicts her educational duties just to run a female supremacist institution. About a principal well attuned to scoring good brownie points just based on student grades and other ritual performance, I'm sure hope our ministers have an answer to people who perpetually try to game and outsmart the local educational system.

If the ministers will not judge in the midst of this public confusion, then let God be judge, for the conduct of this principal is no different from the Pharisees, Sadducees and the Sanhedrin who tried all manner of legal contortions and accusations to discredit and persecute Jesus Christ simply because he challenged status quo [Matthew Chapter 22 (NIV)] and called them a "den of thieves".

Psalm 1 (NIV)
1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

[source]

Ministers participating in Hair for Hope, Singapore:

[pict source]

[pict source]

[pict source]

 

[spinning_quirK]

"Nurture, rather than discipline" ?

There is no nurture without discipline. Very, very naive of anyone to think that the carrot can be dangled exclusively without the backup power of the rattan stick.

 

[cherry6]

"Nurture, rather than discipline" ?

There is no nurture without discipline. Very, very naive of anyone to think that the carrot can be dangled exclusively without the backup power of the rattan stick.

Half rotten, deformed carrot, in from of a very large rattan stick... still think it was Principal who lost the plot, thus the accusation that she was either 'mean hearted'/ 'evil''- hope more people can learn from her mistake.

 

[cscs3]

I can only say these student is mislead by HfH. I was at Vivo that evening. One clear message come to me is how come the organizer themselves did not have their hair cut too. Especially the 2 DJ on the stage.

 

[My Little Diary 88]

I can only say these student is mislead by HfH. I was at Vivo that evening. One clear message come to me is how come the organizer themselves did not have their hair cut too. Especially the 2 DJ on the stage.

Amusing

Perhaps they wore wigs?

 

[My Little Diary 88]

If the ministers will not judge in the midst of this public confusion, then let God be judge, for the conduct of this principal is no different from the Pharisees, Sadducees and the Sanhedrin who tried all manner of legal contortions and accusations to discredit and persecute Jesus Christ simply because he challenged status quo

Pharisees, Sadducees, Sanhedrin and Jesus Christ are for/from the same God whom they say is Love.

Somehow, I feel, discussion on wigs need not degenerate into ridicule and bible quoting.

 

[cherry6]

Following ‘ladylike’ rule to the letter worrying

Pharisees, Sadducees, Sanhedrin and Jesus Christ are for/from the same God whom they say is Love.
Somehow, I feel, discussion on wigs need not degenerate into ridicule and bible quoting.

Heh heh, think your Bible knowledge is quite basic. Anyhow, I think bible quoting is acceptable in this thread in so far that it is relevant to the issue at hand and the St Margaret's is a mission school. However, I agree with you that since this is a public forum, deep theological discussion might not be so appropriate so as not to alienate other forum participants.


Any how:

TODAYonline; voices
Following ‘ladylike’ rule to the letter worrying

FROM STEFANIE YUEN THIO - 07 AUGUST2013.
Hair For Hope is an initiative to support children with cancer who lose their hair due to chemotherapy. (“Case-by-case approach for pupils who want to support causes: Schools”; Aug 3)
They are already devastated by this disease; standing out because they are bald makes matters worse.
Hair For Hope allows members of the public to expr ess empathy and solidarity with these children. It has grown into a movement where awareness and funds can be raised for the cause.
I applaud the young ladies who had the personal courage to be shorn for this cause.
I confess that I lack the bravery to do this. And so I read with dismay and disbelief that St Margaret’s Secondary School had taken three students to task for not wearing a wig to school.
First, wearing a wig defeats the purpose of shaving one’s head for the cause.
Second, it takes even more courage to appear in public without hair than with a wig, which should have been factored into the evaluation of the students’ actions.
Third, surely an act of charity trumps technical compliance with rules on ladylike appearance.
Fourth, it is important that educators espouse and communicate the substantive objectives behind rules.
The rule was to avoid “punk, unfeminine or sloppy hairstyles”. If it was apparent that the reason for a bald head was not a style choice but for a good cause, then the mischief the rule was intended to prevent was not a relevant consideration.
I would point out that, based on the principal’s application of the rule, students who lose their hair from chemotherapy would be required to wear a wig at St Margaret’s.
It is also worth noting that the school’s website speaks of its mission: “Building character” and “inspiring grace” to build “a community of learners growing and glowing for God”.
It worries me that this form of technical rule compliance is the mindset of our leading educators. I hope that this is an isolated incident, unrepresentative of our educational system.
I ask the Education Minister to make clear that his ministry values the sacrifice, charity and community-spiritedness these girls exhibited. We cannot teach our children well if we do not start with foundational values.
A longer version of this was first posted on the writer’s Facebook page. The letter is published with permission.
http://www.todayonline.com/voices/following-ladylike-rule-letter-worrying

 

[celsus]

this whole affair became a big deal because it is emblematic of what is wrong with singapore: understanding the letter, but not the spirit, of the law.

certain kinds of hairstyles are stipulated by the schools rules because they are deemed to show good character of the wearer. Yet in exceptional circumstances, even better character could be shown by those who do something unconventional. It's clear the spirit of the law should support an exception, but unfortunately this principal only knows how to parrot the law and does not understand the basis of the law or fears the slippery slope (<-aka logical fallacy 101).

And while it doesn't surprise me, that's because it's a nice little anecdote that perfectly captures what is wrong with the little technocrats and bureaucrats that take up positions of authority on this island

 

[cancer81]

so breaking promises is totally okay with our young ones?

 

[Inix]

this whole affair became a big deal because it is emblematic of what is wrong with singapore: understanding the letter, but not the spirit, of the law.

certain kinds of hairstyles are stipulated by the schools rules because they are deemed to show good character of the wearer. Yet in exceptional circumstances, even better character could be shown by those who do something unconventional. It's clear the spirit of the law should support an exception, but unfortunately this principal only knows how to parrot the law and does not understand the basis of the law or fears the slippery slope (<-aka logical fallacy 101).

And while it doesn't surprise me, that's because it's a nice little anecdote that perfectly captures what is wrong with the little technocrats and bureaucrats that take up positions of authority on this island

No, the whole issue became a big deal because the principal is still unaware of the power of new &/ social media. Something that the PAP learnt the hard way 2 years ago.

 

[sunzoner]

The real scandal is why these cancer patients need to pay for expensive healthcare without much govt support, thus requiring piece-meal support from the public.

 

[spinning_quirK]

Somehow, I feel, discussion on wigs need not degenerate into ridicule and bible quoting.

I agree with this. Someone seems to have a chip on his shoulder.

Pharisees, Sadducees, Sanhedrin and Jesus Christ are for/from the same God whom they say is Love.

According to the Gospels, Jesus had very very strong and negative labels for the Pharisees and Sadducees, going as far as to call them hypocrites, a brood of vipers and the children of the devil.

So they are not "for/from" God.