Dear Editor,
The Christmas term of the formal school system ended on Friday, December 12, with many schools holding their traditional Christmas party, parties that are anticipated and expected by all the students. However, I would like to register some serious concerns with respect to the mode of dress and the type of music that accompany these parties.

I was appalled to see the way in which the secondary students were dressed, in particular the females. Many were seen with tight, short and revealing clothing, clothing that was totally inappropriate for the event and for a child to be attired in, notwithstanding the lewd and vulgar lyrics that were being bellowed from many classrooms.

One would then ask the questions: Where were the parents on the morning these children left their homes? Were they at work or asleep? Or was it a case that they just don’t care and as such endorsed the style of dress? As such why did the academic staff of the school allow these children who were inappropriately dressed to participate in the various parties?

Additionally why did they allow the vulgar music to be played at the parties?
As responsible adults, we are entrusted to ensure that children are taught the requisite morals and values, and to ensure that they become responsible and model adults. We need to ensure that children enjoy their childhood and are protected from these influences that rob them of it. Behavioural patterns and physiological studies have shown and proven that a child is more receptive to socialisation at a young age. Attitudes and outlook are based on what is taught and assimilated during the formative years.

I urge the school boards, the parent teacher associations, the schools’ administrations, teachers and parents to urgently review the protocols as these relate to the hosting of schools parties and similar activities.
Yours faithfully,
Ronald Harsawack