Vandalism is breaking my heart.
First day back after the holidays…..
And we return to a school where local kids (not from our school) have run amok.
· The barn was broken into and all the sports gear stolen.
· Fire extinguishers removed from classrooms and set off.
· Graffiti written over many areas of the school.
· Broken windows.
· A waste bin set fire to and potential building damage.
The police, apparently were called a total of seven times during the two week break. Seven, that’s some sort of record for round here.
We were all shocked and saddened by what has become of this neighbourhood. I knew the area was rough before I joined the school, it has something of a reputation in political circles in
New Zealand. But I have never witnessed such a violation of school grounds. Alan Duff, the author of Once were warriors described my school as a oasis in the desert. This quote has forever been on the school prospectus. But that was about a decade ago. Has NZ society slipped further in that time? I thought it was getting better.
What are we to do?
p.s. A big round of applause for our ‘property manager/ caretaker/janitor/ hero’ because he has worked tirelessly to get the school back in working order. And he is not alone in his efforts I’m sure. Throughout the globe there are those people who take care of the school buildings and grounds, fixing, mending, caring for our kids environment. I’d just like to say to them all THANK YOU.
So sorry to hear of your horrible first day back. Great attitude – get cleaned up and get on learning!
Wow – sorry to hear of this vandalism. I hope you find a way to make this a learning experience for your students. It may be the only positive to come out of this destruction..