In the most recent newsletter of Winter Gardens Academy in United Kingdom, parents are told that they may be fined for their children’s habitual tardiness from school. Catherine Staltham, the primary school head teacher, announced that any pupils arriving after the 9:00 am bell will be considered late starting April 1. Parents could be penalized as much as £60, which can rise up to £120 if not paid within 21 days.
Parents and guardians of late comers may also be prosecuted in court if not paid within 28 days. This policy is in line with the local Department of Education’s school guidance which seeks to undermine tardiness. The school is working closely with local authorities to address unauthorized absences. The said policy garnered positive and negative responses from parents.
Vocabulary:
penalized- [verb] punish
prosecuted- [verb] bring a criminal action in a court trial
unauthorized- [adjective] unapproved
undermine- [verb] discourage
garnered- [verb] gain
True or False:
- Winter Gradens Academy will not impose fines for parents with tardy children.
- Students arriving at 9:30am are considered early.
- The Department of Education encourage tardiness.
- Sixty British Pounds will be added to the original penalty fee if not paid within 21 days.
- Parents and guardians of late comers may also be prosecuted in court if not paid within 28 days.
Express your opinion:
- If you have a child studying at Winter Gardens Academy, what would be your reaction to the latest school policy? Why?
- What do you think did the article mean by “unauthorized absences”?
- What do you think is responsible for a person’s punctuality or tardiness?
Defend your argument:
- Do you agree with the latest policy of Winter Gardens Academy?
- Do you think the local government should intervene with school matters?
- One of the parents reacted negatively by saying that the fines are just a money-making scheme of the school. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
- Do you think people should take punctuality seriously? Why or why not?
- Do you think punctuality at the workplace will help a person gain trust from his colleagues? Why or why not?