Another School Administration Demand Surprises Parents

In one of the gymnasiums, a strange invitation leaflet was handed out the other day.

Parents and teachers of the Fanipol gymnasium (Dziarzhynsk district) were offered to take part in the Green School project and purchase flower seedlings for the school grounds. But not everyone liked the tone of the invitation: some parents took the initiative as an ultimatum. The gymnasium was surprised at such a reaction. Rebenok.by explains what caused the misunderstanding.

In the gymnasium the other day they distributed an invitation leaflet. It talks about the importance of landscaping, how it looks aesthetically pleasing and improves air quality on the school grounds. Parents and class teachers are invited to take part in the republican Green School action, and “lay the foundation for a favorable environment for children”. To do this, the participants of the action “need to buy flower seedlings” - so the leaflet says. There are clear terms and the number of seedlings that must be purchased for each class. The parents were outraged.

- If the question was put like this “everyone please bring the seedlings that you have”, no one would have objected. Many have their own land plots, flower gardens etc. But what does “you are supposed to buy” mean? Why are we supposed to? Where is it enshrined? - says the mother of one of the students.

The interlocutor notes that if the parents do not buy the seedlings, then this duty will fall on the shoulders of the teachers. And they have to come to terms with it.

- If the parents do not respond to the call of the class teacher [to buy something or to participate in something], the teacher gets a reprimand. For not being able to work with parents. We love our class teacher. But in this situation there is a principled position and not only mine: the gymnasium will not receive any money from outside. The teachers I talked to say that they were explained: it doesn't matter who buys [flowers] - parents or teachers, the main thing is that they are there. And the cool position is: “Don't panic, I still have to work here.” I wonder if there are such [purchase requests] in other schools?

She says that she is ready to help the gymnasium, but when asked and when she wants it herself, and not when they write to her “you are supposed to buy”:

- There were all sorts of situations. The class teacher asked for something for the needs of the children. Like, if there is an opportunity and you think it is necessary, let's do it. We chipped in, no one became poorer. But when they come and say: “You have to,” it is already perceived differently.

“For us teachers, buying seedlings has always been regarded as normal”.

The journalists called the Fanipol gymnasium and said that parents had nothing against taking part in landscaping, but they were offended by the ultimatum rhetoric. The teacher responsible for collecting seedlings was genuinely surprised.

- It is not necessary to buy. If someone has petunias at home, you can bring them without any problems, - explained English teacher Katsiaryna Akhmadzhanava (her contacts were indicated in the leaflet) - I got you (...) I used to work in Minsk, and for us it has always been regarded as normal. We, the teachers ourselves, bought seedlings, and parents too. And then they were planted.

According to the teacher, seedlings are needed not only for beauty, but also for the participation in the competition within the framework of the Green School project. The teachers are planning to plant flowers on their own. Perhaps they will attract girls from high school, during home ec. lessons. The review competition will be held in August-September.

The teacher once again emphasized that no one gave an ultimatum to the parents, it was just a wish. All attempts to promptly contact the headmaster of the gymnasium have been unsuccessful.

Recently, Belarusians have been taking requests from the school to buy something or “give in a ruble” with certain indignation. Readers from different regions have previously complained about having to buy toilet paper, chalk, detergents, or voluntarily pay for free hobby groups. Parents are also concerned about how the refusal to pay may affect teachers.