Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – I was disappointed to read the complaints of some Forthill school parents regarding the amount of school work currently being done by primary 6 pupils (All play and no work, claim parents, November 9).
As a parent of a primary 6 pupil, I know that, whilst pupils have been doing lots of preparation for the show over the last couple of weeks, they have also been continuing their studies in maths, English and other subjects.
Putting on a show is also a learning process with the whole year working together, learning lines and songs, gaining confidence from performing and ultimately sharing that with family and friends. This is something these pupils will never forget.
Whilst every parent is fully entitled to voice their concerns about their child’s education, such comments should be addressed to the class teacher, head teacher, or the parent council.
What is not appropriate is to seek coverage in the local newspaper. Teachers cannot respond to these comments, and such reports can damage the reputation of what is a very good school.
I am very proud of Forthill and the efforts of its excellent teaching staff. I am sure that the show will be a great success and the majority of pupils will gain a huge amount of educational and personal benefit from taking part.
(Dr) Edward Hall.Forthill Parent Council.
Avoid date clash in future
Sir, – I was concerned and disappointed to read the letter from Tom McDonald, Disappointed by the number of empty seats, (November 8).
Although I was unable to attend the Festival of Remembrance, largely due to age and access for my arthritic wife, I keenly watch the Albert Hall Festival.
However, it occurred to me that the poor attendance of younger folk may have been due to the lack of foresight in arranging the festival on the same night as Guy Fawkes night, which undoubtedly would attract younger families particularly with such good weather.
It would be as well for those making future arrangements to take note of such conflict, and take steps to avoid a recurrence of such a disappointment.
Robert D. Bruce. The Brae,Auchterhouse.
Someone has to make a stand
Sir, – Re the Madras College debacle. I have learned that council officials are allegedly of the opinion that the group who are against refurbishment of Kilrymont are just a small group of troublemakers.
If this opinion is correct, it is good to know that the council officials either reside in St Andrews, or visit regularly to gauge local opinion on this matter.
I have no doubt that there are quite a lot of parents who are quite happy to have Kilrymont refurbished, and I respect their view.
But equally, and from my observations, a large number have the contrary view. There will also be a number who, unfortunately, could not care less.
It must be very dispiriting for a large group of parents, and for that matter non-parents, to be categorised as “a small group of troublemakers” after putting in a lot of hard work and effort to voice their opinion and that of many others.
After all, someone has to stand up front, otherwise councils and government get their way by hoping that people are apathetic.
I have no doubt that public opinion will probably count for nothing in this case. I am writing this letter the day before a decision is made, but I suspect that council officials will have their way, and a refurbished Kilrymont will be sanctioned.
Their statement “all sites and options” will be considered is little more than a smokescreen.
I may be wrong but I have the feeling that if a refurbished Kilrymont is realised, the moans and groans will start as soon as the work begins but by that time it will be too late.
Robert Thomson.35 Lindsay Gardens,St Andrews.
Get a life and show respect
Sir, – What a furore about football players wearing poppies to mark Remembrance Day, which had to be discussed in Parliament.
For goodness sake get a life, and show a degree of respect for those who lost theirs in the defence of our country.
John McDonald.14 Rosebery Court,Kirkcaldy.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.