New Mistress at the Chalet School
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#1: New Mistress at the Chalet School Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 9:38 am


Rachael is on holiday and nominated me to get this one started - here are your View Point Questions! Favourite scene? Least favourite scene? Was Kathie Ferrars reaction to Mary-Lou in the early part of the book more believable than the about face we see later? Yet another near death scene in a CS book - was this plot device still working in this book? This book focuses far more on the staff than any other CS book - how do you feel about that? And of course, feel free to wander off and explore other aspects that I can't think of right now!


#2:  Author: AngelLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 9:50 am


Because it was from the staff point of view, it made a lot more sense, although why EBD couldn't have killed ML in it - would have made a far better story devil I think it was realistic, the about face, but it went too far. I preferred Ivy Norman's run in with Joyce Linton...


#3:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 10:40 am


I enjoy this book as we see the school from a different perspective. Kathie's attitude to ML is very realistic, think the about face goes too far. It might have been more normal if they had settled some of their differences but been a little cold with each other at the end. Can't say that I have a favourite or worst scene in the book. The near death scene was getting a bit much by now though.


#4:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 10:59 am


I like the staff view-point in this book. It expands on the snippets we get in most of the books. Kathie's reaction is good - I think most people would react in the same way when they met her first! I'm pretty sure I'd want to squash her! The change of mind I think is a bit too complete! I think Kathie would have come to like her and see the good points to her character but would still see that the characteristics that alienated her were not necessarily as good as everyone else seems to think!


#5:  Author: mohiniLocation: india PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 5:19 pm


I liked this book and it was nice to see ML seen from different perspective and not been forgiven for many things.


#6:  Author: RosieLocation: Huntingdonshire/Bangor PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 5:35 pm


I agree that it's nice to see OOAO not getting away with everything for once, but I do wish it stayed that way!! And I don't like the fact that the rest of the school is against Kathie's attitude at first, and Joey saying 'She has a lot to learn'.


#7:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 5:54 pm


I like this book, I like it that Kathie doesn't like Mary-Lou (and wish she hadn't changed her mind about her so easily!). I find it interesting that it seems that Kathie and Sharlie are quite good friends but then in the later books it's her and Nancy, and Sharlie barely gets a mention. I also find it very realsitic about how nervous Kathie was when starting at the school!


#8:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 6:18 pm


I quite like this one. I think Kathie is a likeable and believeable central character. Being a cycnical type, I always assumed her sudden change in attitude towards Mary-Lou was largely down to her trying to fit in with the rest of the school! My favourite scene is probably the appearance of Yseult's mother - one of the best comedy moments in the series IMHO!


#9:  Author: claireLocation: South Wales PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 7:53 pm


This is one of my favourites, in some ways more so as I've got older. I like it's very plausible that someone knew to the school wouldn't have really liked Mary-Lou and how she came across and a new GIRL wouldn't really have got away with showing it - the turn about in it, probably is partly Kathie wanting to fit in and partly just her giving up as no one else is bothered about it, she is being treated as staff still (which is what she wanted) just the way ML treats the staff


#10:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 8:04 pm


I really love this book too. Its nice to have a more adult perpective on the proceedings, and Kathie is an extremely likeable person. Im also glad that Kathie and ML had problems, I take it as a good sign that EBD recognised these character traits in ML. But I do wish it hadn't resolved quite so easily, but then Kathie of course had to become a good CS teacher!


#11:  Author: jenniferLocation: Sunny California PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 8:19 pm


I quite enjoyed this one. Kathie is a very believable, likeable character, and her reactions are very natural. It's too bad her view of Mary-Lou only lasts half a book, as it's nice to see someone willing to stand up to the girl rather that laugh, say "it's just Mary-Lou" and let her get away with anything. The scene with Yseult's mother is one of the most comedic in the series, particularly her discussions with Biddy. I disliked the scenes where the staff/Joey are ruminating on how much Kathie has to learn, and her lapses in judgement. I think she shows generally very good judgement for a new teacher. For example, sitting on ML when she jumps in to answer other people's questions - a more experience teacher would probably be able to do it without sounding snarky, but a good teacher will make sure that one student doesn't dominate all the discussion, and will bring out the more reserved, less confident students. After repeats of the 'new student experiences the school' plot device, it's nice to see the staff version of it. It could be very difficult for a new teacher to settle in well, as much of the staff has either been there for years or are old girls themselves, and well steeped in school tradition. Pam Slater, for example, never really fit in to the school. It often takes new blood to notice things that aren't working, or to suggest new ideas.


#12:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 8:24 pm


I like this book being from a staff point of view more, and I like Kathie's reaction to ML - I would have been exactly the same. The about turn is a pity, but isn't it sort of down to the near death thing? Or am I getting the timeline mixed up? I can imagine it would be hard to keep disliking someone who's just been in that sort of situation with you! Did the near death plot device ever really work? especially in any of the later books. I think the main problem with them is that they are all too similar - I expect the proximity of the mountains was just too good for EBD to resist, but I'm sure there must have been other ways to nearly kill people?! ) can't think of any favourite or least favourite scenes.


#13:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 8:43 pm


I like the book and love the fact that it's from a Staff perspective. I think Kathie is a very good central character and that she does make mistakes and learns from them. That said I feel her initial assessment of Mary Lou was correct and it was a pity that she changed so completely - there again though, Mary Lou had saved her life so it's only to be expected! Favourite scene - has to be the one with Mrs Perowne and Biddy - wish Biddy had caught the Head's eye - would have liked to see Hilda lose it totally! Least favourite scene - nothing particular - but didn't like the way Kathie's ordeal at Wahlstein was relegated to nothing in favour of Joey's news about Daisy! Liked Catherine's version better!


#14:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 9:21 pm


Lesley wrote:
Favourite scene - has to be the one with Mrs Perowne and Biddy - wish Biddy had caught the Head's eye - would have liked to see Hilda lose it totally!
There is a very simple remedy to your desire Lesley - little thing called RCS4 )


#15:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 1:13 am


Or someone could write the alternative version to that scene! where their eyes do meet, and they collapse into fits of hysterical laughter...........


#16:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 1:33 am


This is actually the book in which I first met Mary-Lou, all bewildered that Kathie disliked her -- maybe that's why she's one of my favorite CS characters? Both of them seemed very real and likeable people to me, and I was much relieved when they made up. (I thought it should and probably would have happened without the standard lifesaving scene, though.) The staff perspective is also a gigantic plus for this volume.


#17:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Leeds PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:39 pm


I do like this book, the staff perspective is a good change, especially with it being a new member of staff meaning we get to see the school from the eyes of an adult newcomer. The one thing that annoys me is that Kathie lives with her Aunt and Uncle. Yet another CS girl (well mistress in this case). I think the plot device was as much overdone as the near death stuff.


#18:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:47 pm


ah look, 25 mins to home time and nothing to do!! Favourite scene? not sure I can pick one particular scene. This is one of my favourite books and I really like most of it. One of the thinks I like is the girls comming together to make a new form, finding their feet as seniors etc. Least favourite scene? Kathy going all girly and pathetic and not being able to open the letter containing the job offer. Feel the urge to tell her to pull herself together! Mind you i suppose it was the useful plot device to get her aunt to tell her in not so many words to grow up and stop being a prat! Was Kathie Ferrars reaction to Mary-Lou in the early part of the book more believable than the about face we see later? I think that her initial reaction was realistic - not entirely sure how much interaction she would have had prior to joining the CS anyone know whether teacher training at that stage included classroom experience? The about face I felt was just a typical EBD thing Yet another near death scene in a CS book - was this plot device still working in this book? No not working at all, particularly the esp way that ML realised that the glacier was going to fall away! statistically though by then at least one person should have died or at least been seriously injured. This book focuses far more on the staff than any other CS book - how do you feel about that? The series as a whole for me starts to go down hill when the get to Switzerland - there is a sameness about all the books ie new girl arrives, has problems fitting in, has near death experience/saves fellow pupil, becomes CS girl. This book always feels fresher and shows EBD writing with a slightly more grown up slant.


#19:  Author: LadyGuinevereLocation: Leicester PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 7:22 pm


Favourite scene? Not sure I have a specific favourite. Although Mrs. Pertwee is a scream Smile Least favourite scene? Mary-Lou saves Miss Ferrars Was Kathie Ferrars reaction to Mary-Lou in the early part of the book more believable than the about face we see later? Oh definitely. The about face came rather quickly for my liking to be honest. I liked the coldness. Serves Mary Lou right! Yet another near death scene in a CS book - was this plot device still working in this book? I didn't think much of this particular scene. It seemed totally underplayed when written, and a lot made of it afterwards IMHO. This book focuses far more on the staff than any other CS book - how do you feel about that? I like it... makes a nice change! ~LadyG


#20:  Author: claireLocation: South Wales PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 7:46 pm


Just thought it this book both OOAOML and Kathie say they don't want anyone else to find out about the incident - so how come ML then gets that bravery award later on?


#21:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 8:05 pm


One of my favourites this is but I guess I'm biased in that Kathie is one of my all time favourite characters. I think her initial reaction towards OOAO is comletely realistic and believable, I know I'd have been exactly the same faced with someone like OOAO, so I guess at times I find the turn about a bit much. Alongside being irritated by OOAO, when they get back from the near death trip to be greeted by JMM ARGH! is all I can say, I just want to smack Joey right across her pompous chops. Sorry, Embarassed It just really grates on me.


#22:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 10:13 pm


That's why I love Catherine's mini drabble on that scene - it focuses back on Kathie instead of the utterly ridiculous news that Joey had brought! Re Mary Lou's bravery award - can anyone tell me exactly how brave that was? She just pulled Kathie of the ledge, she didn't risk her own life as she didn't go onto the ledge herself!


#23:  Author: RuthLocation: Lincolnshire, England PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 12:29 pm


This is one of my most favourites in the whole series. I love to see the school from the staff point of view. My favourite scene would have to be when Mrs. Perowne visits her 'girlies'! I don't think I have a least favourite scene. I like the way Kathie resents Mary-Lou's familiarity - I would have thumped her! ML is too bumptious and big for her boots and always buts into things - worse than Joey. Mary-Lou is brave pulling Kathie back of the ledge - she didn't know whether more of the ledge was going to go or not. I like the way Yesult is dealt with (by the way, I don't like Yesult). Can anyone tell me whether she ever becomes a 'real, Chalet Girl'?

Last edited by Ruth on Fri May 21, 2004 1:21 pm; edited 1 time in total


#24:  Author: BethLocation: Back in Durham...nearly finished a whole year!! PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 3:17 pm


I also love this one. A random thought re: the about face thing: the second half of the term isn't really dealt with in the book (having said that, I do only have the paperback), and I wonder therefore if Kathie's change of attitude is rather more gradual than we are allowed to see? I suppose this would make it more believable. There's also a mention about her having a long chat with Jo, which we aren't privy to, during which she would presumably have explained about ML spending so much time with adults etc. (Incidently, I think this is why I don't find her so annoying - from personal experience, spending a lot of time with older people as you grow up does give you a different slant on things compared to your peers.)


#25:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 4:54 pm


Yes, but it's what it did to OOAO's character that bothers me. For someone always to be sure that she's right. Besides, she didn't spend all that much time alone with adults. Her mother and grandmother complain that she's becoming a hoyden when she's with Clem and Tony Barrass.


#26:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 8:54 am


This mornings pondering whilst watching the hoards of horrible children standing at bus stops and on the kerbs outside schools. Question - Would Kathie Ferrars have survived as a teacher, bearing in mind her attitude at the start of the book, had she been going to an inner city comprehensive school rather than the, shall we say, more gentile CS?


#27:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 11:43 pm


answer - not a chance! I don't think there's any way at all she could have coped in an inner city school - certainly not with the modern attitudes. I suppose though that at the time she would have been teaching she would have been unlikely to have been in a comp - for one thing, the concept of comprehensives was only just being thought about, though there were a few around. Kathie would have been most likely to have ended up in a grammar school - which was mainly populated with the nice, clever kids who had passed the 11-plus. I still think she would have found it much more difficult than the CS, though she probably would have just about survived it. Not so in a comprehensive though - or am I being unfair to Kathie?


#28:  Author: CatrionaLocation: South Yorkshire PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 7:20 pm


I really like this book - I enjoyed seeing things from a teacher's point of view and LOVED seeing OOAOML not being treated in the way she was accustomed to - was very disappointed when Kathie decided she liked her afer all. Given that she had only a degree and no teacher training, I think she did pretty well. Always wondered why she didn't get to marry a doctor and have loads of children - although given that she would only have been in her late twenties when the series ended, perhaps this would have happened.


#29:  Author: claireLocation: South Wales PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 7:27 pm


maybe not though EBD tends to like to marry them off early and despite being a teacher at the CS she was not a CS girl and therefore not fit to marry a doctor


#30:  Author: HelenLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 3:33 am


I don't see Kathie as getting married, I see her as potential future Head material. Besides that this is my second favourite CS book - can anyone beat Exile? It was one of the early ones that I read so on first reading I didn't have that problem with the near death and the Mary Lou matter. Even when I reread in 2002 it didn't worry me. Maybe I don't dislike ML as some seen to. I loved seeing things from the staff's point of view. That is a strong point in other CS books, we do get glinces of the staff unlike other school stories. Kathie is one of my favourite people. She is a good teacher and a warm person but not too perfect. The only minor thing was why did EBD make her an orphan? It didn't add anything to the story unlike when some of the girls have been.

 




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