Dear Editor,
The president of the National Parent-Teachers' Association is now calling for parents to boycott costly graduations that he claims are money-making events for schools.
However, isn't this a clear case of pride over good sense? The same parents who complain about the expensive mandatory fees for education are the same ones complaining about the elective cost of graduation, bearing in mind that attendance at graduation is not mandatory.
Elementary, primary and preparatory schools really don't need a ceremony with all the glitz and the glamour, but I'm quite sure that parents elect to have their children be apart of it. We live in a society that frowns on standing up for what's right and goes as far as to ridicule those who dare to be different.
I strongly think that no child should have to pay to collect a school-leaving certificate, even if you didn't attend the graduation. That in itself is highway robbery.
School officials must consider that these parents have preparation costs for a new school to contend with, and should be sensible in costing school-leaving ceremonies.
The parents, on the other hand, should be sensible about the money that is being spent on these expensive graduations. Is it a necessary expense when they have books, tuition and school uniforms for a new school to face? Many parents need to realise the reach of their pockets and avoid trying to live like the Joneses.
What's the sense in having a graduation from an old school with lots of pictures for memorabilia but be unable to start a new school properly? It all boils down to a case of common sense over foolish pride.
Attalia Harriman
attalia.harriman@gmail.com
Common sense over foolish pride
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The president of the National Parent-Teachers' Association is now calling for parents to boycott costly graduations that he claims are money-making events for schools.
However, isn't this a clear case of pride over good sense? The same parents who complain about the expensive mandatory fees for education are the same ones complaining about the elective cost of graduation, bearing in mind that attendance at graduation is not mandatory.
Elementary, primary and preparatory schools really don't need a ceremony with all the glitz and the glamour, but I'm quite sure that parents elect to have their children be apart of it. We live in a society that frowns on standing up for what's right and goes as far as to ridicule those who dare to be different.
I strongly think that no child should have to pay to collect a school-leaving certificate, even if you didn't attend the graduation. That in itself is highway robbery.
School officials must consider that these parents have preparation costs for a new school to contend with, and should be sensible in costing school-leaving ceremonies.
The parents, on the other hand, should be sensible about the money that is being spent on these expensive graduations. Is it a necessary expense when they have books, tuition and school uniforms for a new school to face? Many parents need to realise the reach of their pockets and avoid trying to live like the Joneses.
What's the sense in having a graduation from an old school with lots of pictures for memorabilia but be unable to start a new school properly? It all boils down to a case of common sense over foolish pride.
Attalia Harriman
attalia.harriman@gmail.com
Common sense over foolish pride
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