BOOK: The Great Discipline Debate

“SHIP UP OR SHAPE OUT!” Chairman Boanerges peered at the agenda and cleared his throat, so did the storm over the gun-metal grey hills. “The second discipline principle is that of Expulsion, or in its lesser form, Suspension. Who wishes to open the discussion? And your name sir?” “Vicar Xavier Ausize, I’m the principal of […]

“SPARE THE CHILD – SPOIL THE ROD” BOOOOOMMM – RUMBLE – grumble – rollll. The thunder echoed from distant mountain to grey, foam-fretted sea … CRAAASH!! – a thunder bolt exploded right in the Conference Hall itself, or that’s how it seemed. All the delegates hid their heads in terror; but as they peeked out, […]

SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES Counseling or Not? There is a huge industry out there that sells smoke; its 19th century counterparts sold snake oil. At least with – usually opium-based – snake oil there was a tangible product with which the gullible could delude themselves. The smoke salespersons are the burgeoning counselling community. “But […]

SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN The Tragedy of Family Break-up on Children The 9-year-old girl walked slowly along the footpath jangling a stick against the open-bar fence. Out raced the Alsatian – a clockwork dog, its alarm set off by the perceived trespass. It snarled and barked at the little girl; and she barked back. Alas, […]

EVEN ‘IVAN THE TERRIBLE’ WAS A CHILD! After the shivers of horror have subsided following the revealing of the gruesome details of the seven backpacker murders, society could well take time to reflect on Ivan Milat’s childhood experiences. This must, to some degree, have contributed to the tragic events at Belangia; as well as to […]

“WE HAD FUN AT THE CEMETERY!” Victory in the Battle of Boring “BOOOORRRRING!!” This is sadly the modern child’s most lethal weapon against their teachers, homeschoolers or otherwise. One has spent ages lovingly preparing the lesson, making sure to include many elements of interest and stimulation. Then five minutes into the presentation, some rude little […]