Editor – As staff of Ladysmith High School (LHS), we want to convey our deep dissatisfaction with the front-page article in the June 15 edition.
This article seeks to tarnish and harm the reputation of LHS through sensational claims.
The full article was not made available to the school prior to being published and thus the school was effectively denied the right to respond to all the allegations contained in the article.
It is a serious concern that some learners complain about taking responsibility for the environment in which they live and learn. Litter does not miraculously appear in classrooms or on the grounds, particularly after breaks.
Education is about more than mere academic work that is taught and tested; it is also about teaching young people that we must keep our environment clean.
Fundamental to this is the understanding that we stand in service to our community, our society and our country.
The statement that the school is in “disarray” (attributed to “many parents”) has not been fully investigated by the journalist and creates a false impression of the state of affairs at the school. Cleaning staff not only clean the school premises, but also collect litter on the public sidewalks and roads along the perimeter of the school.
The contention that learners sitting detention are “pulled out to clean up” is outrageous.
This would imply that coercion is used to force these learners to clean the school. Learners in detention are given the choice to collect litter on the premises, but are not forced to do so.
LHS is a school that functions efficiently and has a proud record of achievement in all spheres of school life. LHS cannot accept our good name and standing in the community being tarnished in this irresponsible manner.
As a community newspaper, the obligation rests upon the Editor to rectify this misconception.
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