The CBB :: View topic - Dilemma for the Deputy Head

#401: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 3:43 pm

Thank you, Lesley, for continuing to feed us with wonderful posts. Love the fossil hunt. Very Happy

And a bit choked up by Sally's apology. Hope it will help Nancy to have the girls viewing her as "brave" instead of humiliated.

#402: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 3:44 pm

There was a stunned silence from both women, then Nancy sort of coughed, “Well that was unexpected,” she said, a certain amount of disbelief in her voice.

Kathie moved closer and placed an arm through her partner’s, “Why?” she said quickly, “Just because there have been a few girls that have acted badly, the rest don’t automatically. You’ve always had a good rapport with your class in the past, haven’t you?”

“Well yes, but…”

“So, once the others have been brought into line, why shouldn’t the rest show that they have retained their respect for you? And you must admit, coming up and apologising to you was very brave of them.”

Nancy Wilmot stood still, thinking, for a moment, then Kathie watched as her friend came to a decision, suddenly standing straight and tall, she looked down at Kathie, “You’re right it was brave,” she said, and even her voice had changed, being far stronger and more decisive, “and they’ve done nothing wrong themselves, have they? So why don’t we go over and join them for a while? After all, you’ve had the opportunity to speak to your class, I’ve not seen mine for a few days.”

Kathie smiled, “Yes, I’d like that,” she said and the two walked across to join the thirteen members of Lower VIb.

…

At the beachside motel further discussion had stopped when the waiter had returned to take their orders. With neither of them eating since breakfast they were both ravenous and the motel, although basic, had excellent food. Hilda ordered melon as a starter with steak and a salad as the main course. Nell had garlic mushrooms as her starter and swordfish with fresh vegetables. Neither of them said anything until they had finished their main course.

“We can have a dessert later, if you’d prefer?” Nell said, “the place is open until late.”

Hilda nodded and the pair quickly finished their drinks and left the table, they walked down to the beach. After a time Nell spoke again, “So, are you going to talk about it?”

Hilda didn’t answer immediately, just continued walking for a while, eventually, just as Nell was about to speak again she stopped and faced her partner. “You know what’s happened? Nancy and Kathie had handed in their resignations, they will be leaving at the end of the term.”

“Yes, they told me.”

“And the reason they’ve done that?” Hilda asked rhetorically, “Me, I’m the reason, or, more precisely, my actions. By taping Nancy’s lesson, allowing others to hear what was said, I’ve forever destroyed any trust or respect they ever had in me.”

Nell caught Hilda’s arm, “Forever is a little harsh,” she said softly, “give them a little time, I’m sure they’ll come round.”

“Will they, Nell?” Hilda’s question was intense, “Why? You agreed that my actions were wrong, that you’d feel a total breach of trust, would seriously consider if you could continue to work with me and for me. If you felt that, then why shouldn’t they?”

Nell looked down at the beach for a time before replying, when she did it was very quietly, “Hilda, if you’d done that to me, would I have been furious? Yes. Would it have taken me a long time to forgive the breach in trust? Yes. Would I have continued to consider you my friend? Don’t be so bloody ridiculous, of course I would!” She smiled and the taller woman found herself responding, “And I’m sure that, given time, Nancy and Kathie will see it the same way.”

The pair continued walking for a time before Hilda responded, “Maybe you’re right, Nell, but there’s no guarantee, is there? And even if they did say that they will stay, the fact remains that I made the mistake in the first place. That shouldn’t have happened.”

“What? That you made a mistake? I thought we’d gone through that, Hilda, you are as entitled to make mistakes as the rest of us, remember?”

“Mistakes of that magnitude, Nell?” Hilda Annersley’s voice was very grave, “I’m supposed to be the empathic one, aren’t I? The one that can place myself into the head of another, feel how they’d feel. Well I didn’t exactly do that on this occasion, did I? If I had I’d have realised just how much my actions would have hurt and upset Nancy, and Kathie.” She turned away, stared out to sea.

Nell thought for a minute, “So what made you do it then? Where did the idea come from? I mean it was all done very quickly, wasn’t it? The tannoy was fixed overnight. What caused you to take that action?”

There was silence for some time, when Hilda replied it was slowly, as though thinking deeply about something, “We’d known for a couple of days or so,” she began, “Couldn’t get anything helpful from Ruth or Rosalind, could see that both Nancy and Kathie were being more adversely affected with every passing day. Then, I had the chance to see it in action, had an unexpected free period, wandered over to where she was taking a Maths class with Lower VIb.” The Head looked across at her Deputy, her expression grim, “Nancy Wilmot is one of the most placid and calm people I know, but what I could see through the classroom window wasn’t that person. It was someone being systematically angered and hurt, someone keeping their temper only due to an immense effort, a friend in serious trouble.”

“And how did it make you feel?”

“How do you think, Nell? I wanted to stop it, right there, I wanted to excise the cancer in that classroom, allow Nancy to return to her normal, open, placid self. I was furious with those girls, I wanted to stop them, regardless of the methods I had to use…”

“In other words, you were angry.” At Hilda’s questioning expression Nell nodded forcefully, “Yes Hilda, you were angry on Nancy and probably Kathie’s behalf, you acted in anger, without thinking it through, without considering the consequences. And although your actions worked, your methods hurt the people you were trying to help.”

Hilda swallowed suddenly, “I did, I never realised before, but you are right, because I was angry, my actions hurt others.”

Nell reached forward to grasp her friend by the arms, “Welcome to the human race, Hilda, we’ve all been there. For once you allowed yourself to get so angry that you didn’t consider the consequences. It happens, now you’ve got to try and repair the damage.”

“How can I do that, Nell?” Hilda’s eyes were searching, “I have considered resigning, if I leave then maybe Nancy and Kathie won’t go…”

“Do you feel that’s the right action?”

Hilda looked down for a time, “No,” she said softly, “Nell I know that would mean you would have the Headship but…”

“…but you’re the best woman for the job.” Nell completed the sentence, smiling, “Hilda, I’ve known that for more years than I can count, and I’ve also known that, if I chose to go elsewhere, I’d be offered the Headship in any other private boarding school - it’s not that I cannot do the job, it’s just that you do it that little bit better. And I choose to stay here as your Deputy.”

“Thank you Nell,” Hilda smiled slightly, “but that still leaves me with the situation now, doesn’t it?”

“True, but we’ve got a little time, and if you feel up to it, perhaps you can explain to Nancy and Kathie, perhaps it will be enough.” She shivered slightly and looked round, the sun had set some time ago and it was getting dark, “Come on, lets get back to the motel, I saw on the menu that they had a number of different ice cream sundaes, I think I’d like to sample a few while inside where it’s warm!”

#403: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 3:51 pm

*feeling a little more hopeful*

Thank you Lesley. I'm glad Nancy plucked up courage to go and talk to her form. Once she's done that, she will be on the road to recovery.

I'm also glad Hilda is getting some perspective back.

#404: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 4:33 pm

Thank you Lesley!!!

*fingers crossed this will be the first steps on the road to reconcilliation!*

#405: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 4:47 pm

Yay!

PLEASE let Nancy and Kathie be talked round - yes, they have a lot to forgive, but they can do it in time surely? Don't let them go Lesley, please!

Thought Robbie VERY cute btw!

#406: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 5:04 pm

How well both Hilda and Nell know their own strengths and weaknesses and yet still need each other to point these out when things go wrong.

I could hug them both. Smile

#407: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 6:37 pm

*crosses fingers* Thank you Lesley Very Happy

#408: Author: Rachel,

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 6:38 pm

I get hungry reading Lesley's updates.

Looking forward to more as ever.

#409: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:18 pm

Wonderful posts Lesley.

Glad the girls had the guts to apologise to Nancy. And well done Nell for at least talking Hilda round this far. And bless Robbie - glad he's put in another appearance, I've missed him! Very Happy

#410: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 9:03 pm

Perfect again - Thanks Lesley

Liz

#411: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 9:12 pm

Nell is officially my favourite RCS character now. Considering Hilda is 'supposed to be the empathic one', Nell's doing a pretty good job of understanding all sides in this particular situation. I just hope she can find a way to resolve it!

Thanks Lesley!

#412: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 11:07 pm

in a way it's good to see Hilda having doubts about her actions - as Nell pointed out

Quote:

welcome to the human race

sometimes she can be a little too perfect, a little inhuman...i really like her here. Thank you, Lesley

#413: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 11:20 pm

Gorgeous posts, Lesley!

*reading happily*

#414: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:38 am

Wonderful, thank you Lesley.

Echoing patmac. Glad that Nancy is able to talk to her class, that Nell is making Hilda see why she did what she did and helping her see that she's only human. And Robbie is so cute!

#415: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:56 am

Fantastic Lesley! Thank you

#416: Author: Jodi, Location: Glasgow most of the time

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 2:56 pm

I've just caught up from page 14 and I'm loving it! Please please please make it OK!

#417: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 6:29 pm

I'm glad Nancy's talking to her form again. It is strange though, even after so much RCS, to see Hilda as a human being and making mistakes by getting angry rather than her superheadmistress self.

Thanks Lesley

#418: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 7:38 pm

Thank you Lesley!!

Robbie's still gorgeous! Brave Lower VI! Good for N&K!

#419: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:27 pm

Please may we have lots more very soon?

#420: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:50 pm

The following day, late morning, Nancy and Kathie were startled by a knock on their door. Remarking quickly that it was a good thing that both of them had managed to get in the shower, Kathie went across to open the door. Outside stood Hilda Annersley. The Head looked a little tired, and had obviously only just arrived back at the School, being still dressed in motorbike leathers. She smiled very slightly at the young Geography Mistress.

“My apologies for disturbing you,” she said quickly, “But I should like to speak to both you and your partner, may I come in?”

Kathie Ferrars swallowed quickly to cover her surprise, “Of course, Miss Annersley, please, this way,” she showed Hilda into the sitting room, Nancy Wilmot, sprawled on the sofa looked up in surprise.

“Please, don’t get up,” Hilda Annersley was not quite quick enough, Nancy almost sprang to her feet.

“Miss Annersley, we didn’t expect…”

“That I would visit? No, I’m sure that you didn’t,” Hilda smiled slightly, “may I sit down?”

“Of course, would you like a drink?”

“Thank you,”

“I’ll get it Nance,” Kathie said, moving to the kitchen. In the sitting room the two women stared at each other in an awkward silence. Quickly looking round the room, Hilda couldn’t help comparing this visit with the last time she had been there. During the last holiday she and Nell had been invited, along with a number of others, to a dinner party. The party had continued until well after three the next morning, and most of them had experienced mild hangovers the following day. Now there was silence, no one knew what to say. Kathie returned with tea for everyone and sat on the sofa next to Nancy, facing Hilda.

The Head took a small sip of her tea, “I understand you rescued Robbie yesterday, when he fell over and hurt his knee?”

Nancy smiled, “Yes, did he tell you?”

“Before Nell had even shut down the engine on her bike,” Hilda said with a rueful smile, “he also told me he had been hunting for fossils.”

“Cherry hoped it would occupy him.” This from Kathie. There was another silence, then Hilda took a deep breath.

“I wanted to speak to you both,” she said quietly, “about what has happened over the last week or so. To try and explain my actions. The last thing I intended was to hurt either of you, indeed my hope was to prevent you from being hurt any further.”

“Perhaps you didn‘t intend it,” Nancy put in quickly, “but it happened nonetheless.”

“Yes, I realise that.” Hilda said softly, “but please believe me, it wasn’t intentional. Seeing how you were being treated, Miss Wilmot, how the actions of those six children were affecting you, angered me. Angered me to the point where I didn’t consider the consequences of my actions. Didn’t think about just how it would make you feel, knowing that people listened while that abuse was hurled. I rarely get that angry, I had no reference for how it would make me feel, what I would do. I made a serious error of judgement, and I am deeply sorry for the distress I caused both of you.”

There was silence for some time, then Nancy Wilmot nodded slightly, “Very well, Miss Annersley, I accept your…” she looked across at her soul mate, “…I mean, we accept your apology. Thank you.”

“And I’ve one to make too,” Kathie put in rather shame-faced, “my remarks about Elinor, they were completely unnecessary and unjust, I’m sorry.”

Hilda nodded acceptance, she then continued, “I should tell you, that, on receiving your resignations yesterday, I considered resigning myself, in the hope that it would persuade you to stay. However, I decided that I could not do that. Instead I am just asking that, over the next few weeks, you seriously reconsider. I am prepared to do anything to repair our relationship. I’m not asking that you forget, but if you could allow me another chance, I would be grateful.” She finished her tea and placed the mug back on the tray.

Nancy and Kathie looked at each other, “We er we can’t answer that right away, Miss Annersley,” Nancy said eventually, “but we will think about it.”

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Apr 26, 2005 4:47 am; edited 2 times in total

#421: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:53 pm

I'm glad I logged back on now.

Thanks for that Lesley. I'm glad Hilda's been able to apologise. I just hope that Nancy & Kathie will reconsider their decision.

JackieJ

#422: Author: Rachel,

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:55 pm

Lesley wrote:

Kathie returned with coffee for everyone and sat on the sofa next to Nancy, facing Hilda.

The Head took a small sip of her tea,

She finished her tea and placed the mug back on the tray

AHA! I knew Hilda was a witch!

#423: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:56 pm

Thank you Lesley. And Rachel! Laughing

#424: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:59 pm

Rachel wrote:

Lesley wrote:

Kathie returned with coffee for everyone and sat on the sofa next to Nancy, facing Hilda.

The Head took a small sip of her tea,

She finished her tea and placed the mug back on the tray

AHA! I knew Hilda was a witch!

Oh B*lls! Hey I'm tired you know?

(Have amended post Rolling Eyes

)

#425: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:11 pm

That looks a lot more hopeful situation. I think it is realistic that Nancy and Kathie wouold take time to reflect before deciding.

#426: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:15 pm

Thanks Lesley Smile

Situation definitely looks more hopeful now (fingers crossed)

#427: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:17 pm

thanks for the update lesley

*crossing fingers, toes, eyes and legs to convince nancy and kathie to stay at RCS*

#428: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:48 pm

Thank you Lesley.

#429: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:59 pm

I could so see Nancy lounging lazily on the sofa! Laughing

I have a quietly happy feeling that things are on their way to working themselves out...

#430: Dilemma for the Deputy Hear Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 12:17 am

[

Quote:

I have a quietly happy feeling that things are on their way to working themselves out...

[/quote]

Echoes Catherine on this - though perhaps not without a couple more cliffs, yet, if I know Lesley!!

A great post though - thank you Lesley

#431: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:34 am

I like the dinosaurs.

Hope Lesley is not to tired from stuffing envelopes to imagine more RCS stuff!

And phew! I kinda like seeing Hilda as not perfect but I am so glad she is on her way to resolving the hurt she has done Nancy and Kathie

#432: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:43 am

Thank you, Lesley! I'm very glad to see everyone beginning to mend fences. It's realistic that it would take a while, though.

Have I said how much I like Nell here? (OK, rhetorical question. Very Happy

)

#433: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:37 am

Catherine_B wrote:

I have a quietly happy feeling that things are on their way to working themselves out...

I on the other hand am sitting here thinking there must be more than tthis surely it can't all be sorted so easily and then I remembered the nasty politician and the bullying of Cherry...so am waiting patiently for whatever's next!!

Thank you Lesley!!

#434: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:20 am

have fingers crossed that they will change their minds quickly, but wouldn't at all blame them if they decided to make Hilda suffer a bit more.

thanks lesley

#435: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:04 am

Hmmm, there are advantages to having to stay away from the board for 2 days and work solidly (can't believe I managed it). I come back to lots of posts!!! Glad things are calming down a bit and possibly sorting out.

#436: Author: Rachel,

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 12:06 pm

Lesley wrote:

Rachel wrote:

Lesley wrote:

Kathie returned with coffee for everyone and sat on the sofa next to Nancy, facing Hilda.

The Head took a small sip of her tea,

She finished her tea and placed the mug back on the tray

AHA! I knew Hilda was a witch!

Oh B*lls! Hey I'm tired you know?

(Have amended post Rolling Eyes

)

Sorry sweetie - do you remember when I used to sign every post as "Pedantic Rachel"?

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE please!

#437: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 1:06 pm

I'm so glad Hilda went to see them. It must have been hard. I do hope they think it through and decide to stay.

Thank you Lesley. As fascinating as ever.

#438: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 5:48 pm

Oooh!!!
Fingers crossed!!!!

#439: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 8:09 pm

The next few days saw the Real Chalet School regain most of its normal equilibrium. The Staff Room was far less tense and it was noted by all that the Head herself was far happier. The School, after spending the last few days almost feeling that they were all in disgrace, became a far more cheerful place. Even those members of Lower VIb were able to start working normally again, and seeming to have re-forged a good relationship with their Form Mistress. The six girls at the centre of the row all appeared somewhat subdued. Certainly none of them dared draw attention to themselves when joining the Fourth Forms.

Talk throughout the School was of Half Term, a few weeks away, and of the entertainment that the School was going to provide at the end of term. As yet, few people were aware of exactly what the entertainment would be, however all knew that the new Drama Mistress, Miss Jones, had been in conference with Miss Derwent and Miss Ferrars, and that all would be announced soon. Although many hoped for a part on the stage itself, or in the orchestra, many others were interested in the backstage work, anything from costumes and lighting, to the scenery and props.

On the Wednesday Miss Annersley had a visitor, the HR Manager Rachael Pelter arrived to discuss the course she was planning to run.

“It’s called a Diversity course,” she began, “I’ll be running it, but will bring in a few experts for different parts. It can actually take many different forms, but there are some main points that will be emphasised.”

“And these points are?”

“Firstly, just explaining what diversity means, looking at ways that it is different from, for instance, the Equal Opportunities legislation. Basically you hope to get your audience to see that diversity, be it in race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, can actually help a company or even a school. By having a diverse group of individuals you are able to call upon people with many different viewpoints and opinions, it should help people form more rounded opinions based on knowledge as opposed to ignorance.”

“I see,” Miss Annersley looked thoughtful, “Would you recommend that this type of workshop be offered to more of the School then?”

Rachael thought for a moment then nodded, “Yes, the message is pertinent, it will help the older girls to see than having a diverse culture means a strong culture.”

“Well I’ve no objection to this being included as part of the curriculum, for the Senior School, I think. Will you be able to run enough courses? We have ten other Senior Forms. I think, for the rest, we could re-arrange the timetable to allow them to be given during the week if that were more convenient.”

“I could run the classes,” Rachael said quickly, “at least for now, and being in the week would be more suitable, especially for the experts I’ll be bringing in -they’ll be in charge of the role playing section. However you know though that come the end of the year…”

“Yes, I know you will be busy in October,” the Head replied, “but we should be able to fit these in before that.”

“The other thing to consider is the Staff,” Rachael put in.

Miss Annersley looked surprised, “You feel we would benefit?”

Rachael nodded, “Possibly, certainly all from the original chalet school. Think about it, in your world you had very little exposure to different races, colours etc. Now all of you have adapted extremely well, but a little more information wouldn’t hurt.”

The Head thought deeply for a time, “Perhaps you are correct,” she said, “and it may help the girls to see members of Staff also on the same course.”

“Starting with the one this Saturday,” Rachael agreed, “after all, this is the one that will be particularly important, the one where you want the message to get across. In fact, with the role-playing, having some members of Staff, especially if we could arrange that there would be some on each side, would be very useful.”

“What are the criteria?” Hilda Annersley listened while Rachael detailed the simple rules, she nodded, “Well one side then could include Ruth Derwent and Rosalind Moore, I’m sure they won’t mind, they’ve both been to see me this week to ask if there was anything further they could do.”

Rachael made a note, “And the other side?”

Hilda smiled, “I think Nell and I fall into that category,”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun May 01, 2005 6:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

#440: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 8:15 pm

Thanks Lesley!! Laughing

Look forward to the role playing.

Last edited by Josie on Tue Apr 26, 2005 8:39 pm; edited 1 time in total

#441: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 8:18 pm

*g*

looking forward to it, Lesley!!

thank you.

ETA wow! congratulations - you must be VERY excited!!!!

Last edited by francesn on Wed Apr 27, 2005 10:17 pm; edited 1 time in total

#442: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 8:51 pm

Um..... is October important in RL too Rachael? Very Happy

ETA: Congratulations Rachael!!! Mexican Wave

Last edited by Pat on Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:55 pm; edited 1 time in total

#443: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:39 pm

Looks like this could be fun...hope you haven't just landed Rachael with lots of embarrassing questions! Laughing

Last edited by Carolyn P on Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:45 pm; edited 1 time in total

#444: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:16 pm

Great idea on the diversity sessions. I love the way you are picking up issues which the original CS folk would not have met.

Great Lesley. thank you.

#445: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:50 pm

*grin*

Wonderful post Lesley!!

#446: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:01 pm

Carolyn P wrote:

Looks like this could be fun...hope you haven't just landed Rachael with lots of embarrassing questions! Laughing

Done with her blessing! Laughing

(Lets hope I've pressed the right *&%£^%$ button this time! Rolling Eyes

)

#447: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:03 pm

If it's any consolation, I've found myself doing the same thing Lesley!!!

#448: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:03 pm

*grin*
Don't you just hate it when that happens? Wink

Why are the quote and edit buttons so close together? Rolling Eyes

Oh, and I know I've already said it several times, but CONGRATULATIONS RACHAEL! (and Rob! Wink

)

Last edited by Vikki on Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:52 pm; edited 1 time in total

#449: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:18 pm

Congratulations Rachael Smile

Thanks Lesley !

#450: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 12:12 am

Thanks for the update Lesley. Can't wiat for the role play.

#451: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 9:09 am

Congratulations Rachael - and what timing - the same as the Crown Princess of Denmark (who IYAM is far too thin!!) which we know cos as she's Tasmanian it's all over our papers and magazines...

Thank you Lesley!!

#452: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 9:48 am

*g*

Thank you Lesley!

Oh and Congratulations again Rachael!!! Trumpet

#453: Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 9:54 am

Thanks for the wonderful posts Lesley.

Many congratulations Rachael and Rob (and Marshall).

Caroline
XX

#454: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 10:50 am

I love the way Rachael's announcement came - very CS Razz

#455: Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 11:54 am

Rachael, you must be so proud - to be described as "busy" by Hilda herself!

#456: Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 1:02 pm

Congratulations Rachael! Very Happy

#457: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 1:39 pm

Thank you, Lesley. Glad to see tensions lessening. I fear Hilda is still pretty rattled, though, if her grammar goddess lips let slip “What is the criteria?”

And Rachael -- Congratulations!!!!! This has to be one of the most unique ways of making an announcement. Laughing

#458: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 3:20 pm

Thanks you Lesley, and congratulations Rachael. What a great way to announce it!

#459: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 3:22 pm

Fantastic post as ever Lesley Very Happy

Kathy_S wrote:

And Rachael -- Congratulations!!!!! This has to be one of the most unique ways of making an announcement. Laughing

Heheh, I was thinking that too! October seems to be busy for babies since my nephice is due then, although the news wasn't broken quite so well! It was a squak of 'you'll never guess what your brother has done now' from my mother Rolling Eyes

followed by a much calmer 'oh by the way, you're going to be an auntie' from my brother Rolling Eyes

. CONGRATULATIONS RACHAEL & ROB!!!

#460: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 3:46 pm

Very loverly post Lesley.

and

congratulations Rachel - love the unusual announcement

#461: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 5:12 pm

Thanks for another great update Lesley - and the announcement contained within - CONGRATULATIONS RACHAEL AND ROB!!!!!!

#462: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 5:41 pm

Kathy_S wrote:

Thank you, Lesley. Glad to see tensions lessening. I fear Hilda is still pretty rattled, though, if her grammar goddess lips let slip “What is the criteria?”

Kathy, you have to remember - Hilda's the grammar goddess, not me! Wink

Have amended post!

Last edited by Lesley on Sun May 01, 2005 6:18 pm; edited 2 times in total

#463: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 7:37 pm

CONGRATULATIONS RACHAEL AND ROB! Mexican Wave

Thanks for the post Lesley - lovely as always! Very Happy

#464: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 7:46 pm

Congratulations Rachael and Rob! popper

And thank you for the update Lesley!

#465: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 8:31 pm

Adding to the congratulations for Rachael, Rob and Marshall - will it have the same name in RL as in RCS? (If so who choses?)

Just caught up on lots and lots and lots of this Lesley adn am feeling rather wrung out - thankyou Very Happy

#466: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 10:28 pm

Hi everyone - sorry, no update today - I've got a dreadful cold and feel terrible - off to bed now - have day off tomorrow, so hopefully you'll get more of this then!

#467: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 10:30 pm

Hope you feel better soon Lesley.
*hugs and lemsips*

#468: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire/Bangor

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 10:36 pm

Hope you feel better soon Lesley - though I can tell writing my essay tomorrow could be fun if I HAVE to have the CBB open for updates.... Wink

And congratulations Rachael and Rob!!!!!

#469: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 10:48 pm

*hugs Lesley*

Hope you feel better soon hunny!

#470: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 11:43 pm

Sorry to hear you are not well, Lesley.

*sends Eucalyptus oil, a special box of ultra soft tissues and an Olympic Breakfast ( Wink

).*

Feed a cold and starve a fever as my Granny used to say!

#471: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 8:40 am

Hope the cold disappears soon, Lesley.

Looking forward to next update.

(((Lesley)))

#472: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 9:43 am

Hope you're feeling better this morning Lesley! Kiss

#473: Author: Jodi, Location: Glasgow most of the time

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:34 am

hope you're feeling better today Lesley - and congratulations Rachael! Very Happy

#474: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:44 am

Hope you're feeling better Lesley *hugs*

#475: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:45 am

What a cold needs is whisky!

Laphroaig do you, Lesley?

#476: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 12:24 pm

Sophoife wrote:

Laphroaig do you, Lesley?

Well if Lesley doesn't want it - I'll help!

#477: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 1:24 pm

Hope you're feeling better soon Lesley!

Congratulations to Rachael and Rob Very Happy

#478: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire/Bangor

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 3:35 pm

Nell wrote:

Sophoife wrote:

Laphroaig do you, Lesley?

Well if Lesley doesn't want it - I'll help!

*raises hand*
And obviously I'd nobly sacrifice myself for the cause - can't have perfectly good whisky going to waste!

#479: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:05 pm

I may just force myself to drink the whiskey offered! Wink

Will be posting an update soon - not finished it yet!

#480: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:06 pm

Is soon the next 20 minutes?? Or will I have to wait until after the weekend?

#481: Author: Rachel,

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:10 pm

Nell wrote:

Is soon the next 20 minutes?? Or will I have to wait until after the weekend?

That's the type of question I love replying "yes" to.

#482: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:11 pm

#483: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:13 pm

Nell wrote:

Is soon the next 20 minutes?? Or will I have to wait until after the weekend?

No.

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

#484: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire/Bangor

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:47 pm

Rachel wrote:

Nell wrote:

Is soon the next 20 minutes?? Or will I have to wait until after the weekend?

That's the type of question I love replying "yes" to.

I feel you would get on very well with my mother Rachel dear.

ETA: I have just noticed my avatar and am giggling muchly!

#485: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 6:47 pm

Nobly offers Lesley the last of the Jersey Apple Brandy which is stunningly good for feeling icky colds

#486: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:00 pm

On the Saturday morning, a little before ten o’clock, the group gathered for the very first Diversity Workshop. The group tended to divide into three parts, there were the majority of Lower IVb, that is, the thirteen who had not taken part in the bullying. They were inclined to be somewhat irritated at having to attend, after all, they had done nothing wrong, however the more mature among them, including Sally and Jamel, realised that they all needed this knowledge, and kept the more hot-headed members of the form from making any comments.

The second group consisted of the six girls that had been responsible for the bullying and harassment in the first place, they had spent an uncomfortable last ten days. While only the Staff and their own form knew the reason for their disgrace, the entire School knew they had performed very badly. That, coupled with the fact that they were having to be with the Fourth Forms, and were technically in isolation because of this, meant that they had had plenty of time to seriously think about their behaviour. They were obviously not looking forward to the Workshop, but had come armed with notepads and pens, aware that they had to produce a report of a thousand words that would satisfy the Head.

The third group was, of course, the four RCS Mistresses. Having not only the Headmistress herself, but the Deputy Head, Senior Mistress and Geography Department Head all attending the course was somewhat excessive. At least the four concerned felt so. They had done the best they could to reduce the impact, dressing very casually and making a friendly greeting to all the girls. Indeed, the six girls being punished were very pleasantly surprised at being included in the friendly banter. This had, however, been deliberate. The Mistresses feeling that the girls had already been punished for their actions, they did not need any further reminders of their transgressions.

Rachael Pelter started the workshop, she began by giving an idea on exactly what diversity was, and why it was important. She encouraged questions however, to begin with, the girls were very loath to ask anything. It fell to the four mistresses to begin asking questions. After hearing their questions and the replies, and realising that they were exactly the same questions that they wanted to ask, the girls became bolder and started asking questions themselves. Rachael encouraged this, wanting the group to gel.

After discussing exactly what diversity was, the HR Manager moved on to another section. “Now normally I would be addressing business men and women about the ways diversity helps their business,” she began, “But it can be just as important in a community such as this School. As an example, suppose, rather than being taught a variety of different subjects, you were only ever taught one, would that be a good thing?”

Melanie Blake lifted her hand, “Isn’t that what we do when we reach the Sixth and then go to university?”

“Yes, but I’m talking about from when you first start school,” Rachael explained, “for instance, suppose you were only ever taught Science, never any other lesson, so no Maths, English anything other than Science.”

“Sounds good to me!” Nell Wilson’s comment was heard by all, the group all smothered giggles as the Head turned to look at her friend disapprovingly.

“Yes Miss Wilson, it does sound good,” Rachael smiled, “but, how are you going to be able to read all those Science textbooks? How will you write your own Science findings?”

Miss Annersley looked rather smug while Miss Wilson nodded ruefully.

“Very well, lets turn it around,” Rachael continued, “let’s have our students only learning English, nothing else, certainly no science. Would that work?”

There was silence for a time, then Rachael continued softly, “Well it might, to begin with, but with no one taught any Science, what’s going to happen to the skills? How, for instance, will paper be made? Books printed? And how long will it take for there to be no written language?”

Everyone thought about that for a time, then Rachael continued, “You see, for a School, a community, even a country to grow and develop, it must accept and embrace different things. English and Science may seem like very different subjects, but they have a far closer relationship than would first be thought. Each needs the other to function effectively. That is why diversity, in all things, should be encouraged and welcomed.

#487: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:05 pm

Thank you Lesley. Hope you are feeling better tonight.

#488: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:19 pm

Thank you Lesley!

How is the cold?

#489: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:20 pm

Thanks Lesley. How about making this compulsary reading for politicians, business persons (see I'm trying to be inclusive) .... in fact everybody!

Great stuff Lesley!

#490: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:21 pm

Hope you are feeling better Lesley. Thanks

#491: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:31 pm

excellent start to the workshop Lesley. Hope the cold gets better!

#492: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:33 pm

Thank you Lesley.

Hope you're feeling better.

#493: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:41 am

Looking good, Lesley. Love the little bit of interplay between Hilda and Nell on the merits of their individual subjects!

Can't wait for the rest. Wink

#494: Author: Yvette, Location: Brisbane, Australia

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 9:10 am

Love the bit about individual subjects - as a maths teacher, I keep being told that all teachers are teachers of literacy! Laughing

I just wish more schools had the foresight to include seminars like this in their curriculums instead of using it as a last resort.

HOpe the cold's getting better.

#495: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 10:48 am

Good start to the workshop. Hope you're feeling a bit better Lesley Very Happy

#496: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 1:02 pm

Thanks for this Lesley (I missed it last night going to bed early feeling icky myself!), it is a good start. It'll be interesting to see the role-playing though.

And congratulations to Rachael and Rob Very Happy

JackieJ

#497: Author: Jodi, Location: Glasgow most of the time

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 1:48 pm

nicely done!

#498: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 4:15 pm

Did Rachael provide you with the wording for the diversity training, or are you putting words into her mouth, Lesley?

I just wondered because that's a really good analogy!

#499: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 5:41 pm

Thank you Lesley! Agree with Ann about the analogy!

Oh and thank you for your speedy posting - Hilda arrived Friday morning my time (Thursday night yours)!

#500: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:04 pm

I hope the workshop brings good success and further understanding. Thanks Lesley

Belated congratulations to Rachael and Rob Very Happy

#501: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:26 pm

1) Yay, I think I can stop avoiding Nancy and Kathie in the staff room now.
2) Thank you Lesley - this is, as ever excellent
3) Belated congrats to Rachael and Rob Smile

Ray *catching up*

#502: Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 9:15 pm

Thank you, Lesley!
And more congratulations to Rachael and Rob Very Happy

#503: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 9:38 am

Brilliant as always, Lesley.

And Rachael, I know I've said it already, but congrats again to you both, mate. Very Happy

#504: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:58 pm

Ann wrote:

Did Rachael provide you with the wording for the diversity training, or are you putting words into her mouth, Lesley?

I just wondered because that's a really good analogy!

Rachael gave me some ideas, but the analogy was mine.

The rest of the morning continued with more information about diversity and touching on different aspects, including race, colour, religion, politics, sexual preferences, age and physical and mental disabilities. There were two expert speakers who brought in more information and a different perspective. Examples were given to the attendees of how all these aspects had, at different times, and still today, experienced discrimination.

“And don’t think this is a modern phenomenon,” Steve Conway, a tall dark man in his thirties said quickly. “The need to ‘bond’ by picking on someone deemed different has been going on for thousands of years, in fact, that type of behaviour is well known in all primate species.”

“Even though,” the other man, Tony Speros, a big Greek man, originally from Athens, continued, “in attempting to shun, or change people could mean we lose our innovators, our geniuses even. Who would think that a man confined to a wheelchair, unable to feed himself, speak, even go to the bathroom without a helper, could be considered one of the finest physicists that ever lived? Have you heard of Stephen Hawking? And what of a playwright, author and poet, whose works are still studied more than a century after his death? Spent time in Reading prison for ‘unnatural practices’ - Oscar Wilde. Or a black man, born in apartheid South Africa, who spent most of his life in prison for the belief that all men should be treated with equal respect? Everyone knows the ex-President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.”

“We’d like you to think on these and other examples over lunch, as well as all the other information you have learnt,” Steve went on, “after lunch we will be setting up a role-playing session, this should allow you to actually experience some of the negative aspects of being deemed ‘different’. Before you leave the classroom, I’d like you to do two things, firstly read through and sign the small sheets of paper Tony is handing out, and secondly take a small white ball from the jar on the table. Each ball has a number on it, that tells you the order we want you to return to the classroom.”

Everyone moved slowly to the door; taking the sheet of paper, the Head’s eyebrow rose as she read the short paragraph.

I, the undersigned, undertake to obey all commands given to me by the two facilitators, Mr S Conway and Mr A Speros, for the duration of the role-play segment of the Diversity Workshop. And to obey any commands given to me by anyone that they may place in authority over me.

Sign________________________
Print Name__________________
Date________________________

Nell Wilson looked across at her, “Have you read this, Hilda?” she asked quietly.

Hilda nodded, “The afternoon’s session promises to be interesting,” she remarked, they both swiftly signed their sheets and returned them. Pausing by the jar, each of them reached in and retrieved a white ball, Hilda’s had number 17 on it, Nell’s had number 5. They put the balls into secure pockets and walked down to the dining room for lunch.

#505: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 3:02 pm

*eeble* I don't like the idea of Nell & Hilda having to obey nasty orders after what they went through with Elinor! Hope this turns out OK...

Lesley, this is very instructive - you have obviously been doing some homework - thank you!

#506: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 3:50 pm

Oh dear - wonder what Mssrs Conway and Speros have got in store for our esteemed ladies?

Thanks Lesley Very Happy

#507: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 4:24 pm

Catherine_B wrote:

*eeble* I don't like the idea of Nell & Hilda having to obey nasty orders after what they went through with Elinor! Hope this turns out OK...

Agrees with Catherine.

Why do I feel they'll have something nasty for Hilda after what they deem were her imperfections! (Guess you can see whose side I'm on!!)

Thank you, Lesley

#508: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 4:47 pm

Somehow I don't think I'd sign that paper. Not willingly, anyhow. Shocked

#509: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 4:49 pm

Could be interesting!

#510: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 7:54 pm

Eeeek!

*wibbles*

#511: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:35 pm

Woohoo! Congrats Rachael and Rob!! How many CBB grandchildren does that make?
*wondering if the kids are the CBB grandkids. does that make Liss their great-granny?*

#512: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 9:24 pm

Well I think I've just lost my job because I'm not sure I would sign that piece of paper. In fact I'm sure I wouldn't. I'd alter it to say within reason, or as far as I was willing, or somehting else.

Looking forward to seeing what is in store for them in the afternoon though.

#513: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 11:09 pm

I'm wondering where the confidentially thingy is - where it says Nothing that takes place in the role play session will be discussed anywhere but this room. Those kids could have a field day if Hilda is made to obey them.

#514: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 11:16 pm

At the beginning of the afternoon session everyone gathered in the corridor outside, the door opened and Steve Conway looked round. “Right, who’s first?”

Melanie Blake raised a hand and walked over, the door closed behind her, a minute or two later the next person was called. By the time Miss Annersley’s turn came she admitted to herself that she was intensely curious, on opening the door she walked in to see both men sat at a desk, there was a chair in front of the desk and she was directed to it. The two men looked up as she appeared and, with unsmiling faces, asked a number of questions, the questions were, for the most part, fairly innocuous, asking of her background, schooling etc. Hilda toyed with the idea of relaying her actual background , but, decided it was probably better to stick with the information as detailed in her official school record.

Once the questions were finished the two men stood, “Alright ‘girl’,” Conway said lazily, “that’s all for now, wear this!” he threw across a bright yellow fluorescent jacket. Hilda caught the jacket and looked at it in some puzzlement,

“May I ask why?” she said softly.

The two men looked at each other in disbelief and sighed noisily, “Because we said so!” Speros replied, “now I don’t care what you’ve done in the past, in here you obey orders, understand?”

The woman on the opposite side of the desk visibly restrained herself from commenting, remembering the paper she had signed earlier, she pulled on the jacket slowly. As she was doing so Conway turned to his colleague, “You’d think these people would understand how things are done by now!”

Speros looked across at him, “They can’t help it, Steve, they don’t have the reasoning capacity of the rest of us.”

“True,” Conway looked over at the woman, “Finished, finally? Right go over to the door at the end on the left, wait in there until we call for you. Don’t say anything to any of the people in this room. Can you understand that?”

Hilda Annersley took a deep breath, “Yes, I understand.”

“Well you’d be the first of your kind that did.” The comment was accompanied by both men laughing derisively, Hilda paused, “well go on then, do as you’re told!”

Hilda walked over to the door as directed, the room she was passing through was the one that the morning’s course had been held. Now it had been changed slightly. The classroom chairs and presentation dais were still apparent, but in addition, in one corner, a number of more comfortable chairs were arranged. A small table held some trays with a mixture of different drinks, from teas and coffee, to soft drinks and water. There were also some biscuits and cakes. A number of the girls were already sat there, plus both Ruth Derwent and Rosalind Moore. None of them wore a yellow jacket. They were all laughing and chatting but, as Hilda drew closer the noise abated and they all turned to look at her.

Rosalind spoke quickly, “Oh it’s just one of them,” she said to the others, “Ignore her, girls, she’ll go away soon.”

Guessing the Geography Head had probably been primed to say exactly those words didn’t stop the Head from feeling intense annoyance. However, mindful of her orders, she said nothing, reaching the door, she pushed it open and stepped in. The room in which she found herself was actually a small store room, there were shelves with supplies on them and some equipment stacked in one corner. It was crowded; there were five people in there, all wearing yellow jackets, like herself, one of them was Nell. She came across.

“Hilda? You’re in here too?”

“It appears so, Nell,” Hilda looked round, “hardly the most salubrious of settings!”

“It’s worse than that,” Nell returned, “there’s no room, few seats, and the only drink dispenser is that water fountain, and there are no cups. In comparison to what I saw outside…”

“Yes, someone is doing their best to ensure we are as uncomfortable as possible, have you worked out their method of choosing to which group we are assigned?”

“I hadn’t,” Nell replied, “but I think young Tricia has,” she nodded across to the red-headed Sixth Former, Hilda looked across and the girl smiled slightly.

“I realised as soon as Melanie and Jamel were assigned to the other group,” she said shyly, “while Miss Wilson and I ended up in here.” She detailed the reason, Miss Annersley nodded,

“Yes, that appears to be behind their reasoning, and not something that we can change, at least not permanently!” She looked down at the yellow jacket, “And we are not going to be allowed to forget, either. I don’t think this session is going to be very pleasant.”

“That’s putting it mildly, Hilda!” Nell was obviously annoyed, her friend looked across,

“Nell, will you be able to continue? Obey the orders?”

“Well I’ll have to,” Nell shot back quickly, “signed that blas…” she stopped, remembering that the others were all pupils, “I signed the paper, didn’t I?”

“True, but you could always leave…”

“Quit? Me?” Nell was incensed.

The door opened again, and a very flushed-looking Katrina Palmer walked in, she was also wearing one of the yellow jackets.

Last edited by Lesley on Sun May 01, 2005 10:51 am; edited 1 time in total

#515: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 11:29 pm

*foresees fireworks*

(but a positive outcome)
(I hope.)

#516: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 11:30 pm

Well I recognise this, classic experiment really! Even though they know what and why is happening I don't think they are in for a nice time.

#517: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 11:30 pm

*Very intrigued!*

#518: Author: Cathy, Location: Sydney, Australia

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 4:10 am

Is this the blue eyes/brown eyes thing? What better way of getting the message across.

#519: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:11 am

Very interesting! Can't wait for an update!
Thanks Lesley.

#520: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:36 am

Yes, I kept thinking blue eyes/brown eyes too!

In-teresting!!

#521: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:56 am

Intriguing to say the least, Lesley.

Hope Nell can keep her temper!!

#522: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 9:19 am

I thought blue eyes/brown eyes, too, though I can't recall what colour Nell's are. Even though you know it's an exercise it can be upsetting - but that's the point, of course.

You're certainly doing this thoroughly, Lesley. I don't think anyone is going to forget this in a hurry Rolling Eyes

#523: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire/Bangor

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 11:30 am

Good grief. I know I'd not be able to keep my temper... I'd not have signed that piece of paper either.
But good going Lesley Smile

#524: Author: Rachel,

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 11:48 am

Lesley, please may we have some more soon? Pretty please?

#525: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 1:32 pm

A short time later everyone had been seen, this was known because Janet Saunders, the last to join the group in the storeroom, had held the number 23. Out of the 23 a total of nine had been handed yellow jackets and were in the small storeroom. It was rather crowded. The only two chairs had been given over to the two Mistresses, while the seven girls all sat on the floor. One of the girls had found a small can of hair gel in her bag, she had rinsed out the lid thoroughly and it was now being used as a make-shift cup. Everyone had, therefore, managed at least a small drink of water.

Outside, the remainder of the class were obviously enjoying themselves, the sound of their conversation and laughter floated across the almost silent storeroom. The mood inside the storeroom was very subdued with some at least also becoming annoyed, this feeling of annoyance grew to a dull anger in some as the time dragged on. Eventually, after a wait of some forty minutes from when Janet had joined them, the door opened and Jamel Darian looked in,

“Steve says for you to join us,” she said peremptorily, “hurry up!” She left quickly.

Hilda and Nell exchanged quick glances then rose, the seven girls also stood, they all filed back into the main classroom. The rest of the class were now sat in front of the dais, watching a PowerPoint presentation. There were no spare chairs. Speros looked over impatiently,

“You’re late! Well don’t just stand there, get a chair and sit down.” He turned away slightly but continued speaking, “…for all the good it’ll do, why do we have to have THEM at these presentations?”

Conway obviously heard, “Because it’s the law, Tony, but don’t worry, it’ll be changed soon anyway. All scientific theory has shown that they do far better in their own schools, not mixing with their betters.”

“Steve?” It was Ruth Derwent speaking, “Could you tell us of these theories?”

“Of course Ruth, I’ve even got something on PowerPoint you can watch,” Conway smiled, he turned to the class in general, “Now, as you know, the natural colour for the eyes is dark, brown or even black is the norm, and, it is estimated, that some 95% of the world’s population have this colour. Unfortunately, at some time in the past few thousand years, there was an accident, a mutation. It only occurred in Europe, and only in the most northerly countries, but the eye colour was affected. These unfortunates,” he pointed to the nine wearing the yellow jackets, “have all inherited that affliction, having eye colour that ranges from blue, to grey or even green. Now, unfortunately, it is not just the colour of the eyes that is different, people with light coloured eyes are, well they’re not normal, scientific research had shown that they have a different shape to their skulls, indicating that they are far less intelligent, have far less reasoning capability…”

“Mr Conway, I should like to see that research.” Nell Wilson broke in quickly.

“Of course you would dear,” Conway stopped as Speros leant across and whispered something to him, “really? Well that’s a novelty!” He turned toward Nell once more, “My colleague informs me that you have some sort of scientific education, Nell, well done. From one of your own colleges of course, and therefore not on a par with the normal standard expected for true citizens, but well done for achieving that much at least. Now keep quiet do, I‘m talking!”

He turned to the rest of the class, “As I was saying, far less reasoning capability, and far less civilisation than any of the true humans. In fact, it has been hypothesised that the ‘light’ eyes are a throwback, more on a par with Homo Erectus or Neanderthal than with modern humans.”

“Isn’t it just a natural change, Steve?” It was Melanie Blake who, rather self consciously, asked the question.

“No, my dear,” Tony Speros answered, “It’s not, a large number of eminent scientists have done research on this, if it were natural it would be more prevalent, and if it were natural it would not be mentioned in so many religious texts as aberrant and abnormal…yes? What is it?” For Miss Annersley had indicated that she wanted to comment.

“Could you please indicate where in these texts this information may be found?”

Speros sighed loudly, “For God’s sake!” he turned to his partner, “this is what comes of teaching them! So many ridiculous questions!” He turned back, “I’m surprised you can read,” he said, “but you will not be able to understand the texts. Don’t worry yourself about it!”

“Er Tony?” It was dark eyed Christine Bartlett,

“Yes Christine?”

“My parents have said they don’t want me associating with…them.” she looked back very quickly before facing forward again.

“And very right they are, my dear, don’t worry, new legislation soon to be enforced, will mean that all those unfortunates with, ‘light’ eyes, will have their own schools, houses and shops, away from decent citizens.”

Hilda Annersley was barely able to prevent herself from responding to that, and saw, next to her, that Nell was having even more difficulty, her face was white and she was biting the inside of her lips. She placed a hand on her friend’s arm. Looking at the seven girls sat with them she noted they were all in a similar situation. Yet, within the confines of the role-play scenario, they could do nothing. They had each signed to say they would obey, and they had each been given the order, while at the desk, to accept all that was said, not to react. Even the questions Nell and she had asked were very close to disobeying that order. Hilda took a deep breath, hoping to calm herself so she could attempt to keep her more volatile companion and the girls calm. She wondered how much longer the role-playing was to continue.

#526: Author: Rachel,

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 2:36 pm

Thank you oh shiny one!

Do we get another update today please? Wink

#527: Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 3:13 pm

OK OK we get the point! Stop being so mean Lesley!

(But thank you for all the nice posts)

#528: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 4:04 pm

Thank you Lesley. I should think they are all getting the message! A most disturbing exercise!

#529: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 4:29 pm

*hides*

I would hate to have to take part in something like this!

Thanks Lesley! More soon please!

#530: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 4:54 pm

It was probably an hour later that the scenario came to an end, before it did, one of the girls, Janet Saunders, had run out of the room crying. About to go after her, Hilda was stopped by Nell, “Let me, Hilda, I need to get out of here for a minute.”

Hilda nodded and allowed her friend to go after Janet; they returned about ten minutes later and sat at the back. Nell with an arm around the girl.

When the end came it was with some ceremony. The two men switched off the PowerPoint presentation and smiled round at everyone. They then asked the nine at the back to please remove the yellow jackets and place them in a box on the table. Once this was done Speros collected up all the white numbered balls. Conway looked round at everyone, “The role-play scenario is finished,” he said gently, “now, we know how difficult it can be to appreciate that so we have a small ritual.” He held up a sheaf of papers, everyone could see that they were the permission slips signed by all before lunch. While he was doing that, Speros brought a tray across to the dais, it had a small metal bucket on it, half filled with sand. Conway placed all the papers into the bucket, retrieving a cigarette lighter from his pocket he looked across at the class, “Miss Annersley? Perhaps you would do the honours, please?”

The Head rose and walked over to the front, taking the lighter she reached into the bucket and ignited the papers. Everyone stared in silence. When the flames died down Conway tilted the bucket to show that only smouldering ashes were left. There was a collective sigh throughout the room.

Speros looked round, “Now we come to the reason for the role-play, analysis. So, anyone, what did you think?”

There was silence for a time, then Ruth Derwent spoke, “Speaking for myself,” she began quietly, “I’m rather worried about how easy I found that.” She swallowed quickly before continuing, “I mean, how easy it was to get into the act of being part of the ‘normal’ and speak out against the abnormal. I never thought I’d be able to do that.”

“Good,” Conway nodded, “glad someone not only recognised that, but was prepared to admit to it. It’s very easy to be ‘carried along’ by others, or by the prevailing opinion of the time. Did any of the rest of you think that?”

Some of the others raised their hands, including Jamel Darian, when Conway looked in her direction she spoke, “I didn’t think I’d feel like that,” she said quickly, “I mean, my grandmother’s from the South, Mississippi, some of the things she tells us…I never thought, if I was on the other side, that I’d act like that. But I almost enjoyed it, the feeling of power, of being superior,” she looked across at the nine at the back, “Sorry!”

What about from one of you,” Conway looked to the back, Miss Annersley spoke first,

“I was aware of the nature of the scenario,” she said quietly, “and, because of that, felt that it would not affect me. However I was wrong, it has been a very disturbing time, and I have felt humiliated and frustrated.”

“More than that,” Miss Wilson put in, “very, very angry, especially as, in the scenario, there was no way to retaliate, no way to get justice.”

“All the laws and justice, everything, was on the opposite side,” Tricia Jeffries said quickly, “You can understand why, when people are in that situation, they might turn to violence.”

“Yes.” Speros replied, nodding, “or, alternatively, the feeling of being persecuted can lead to depression. The scenario is not an uncommon one. I don’t mean discriminating against someone due to eye colour, but there have been, and still are, incidents of discriminating due to colour, sex, religion, sexual preference. The arguments that Steve and I quoted have all been used, and will continue to be used, for as long as people continue to look on diversity as a threat, to consider that it is wrong, rather than that it should be embraced.”

#531: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 5:26 pm

I think Ruth Derwent was incredibly brave to admit to finding it easy to slip into the superior role.

Very instructive, Lesley. Especially how Hilda was frustrated and Nell was angry - very in keeping with their characters.

Thank you, oh shiny one, for another (and bonus) post.

#532: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 7:25 pm

I could really sympathise with the "abnormal" ones in the group (having been bullied for nearly all my school life. You feel like you have nowhere to turn. Thank you Lesley I think the actions of all were really in keeping with there characters. And well done to Ruth for being honest! (sorry for the waffel, once i start I just tend to keep going)

#533: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:52 pm

Will it change Katrina and Co.'s views though? Although I'd hope that being on the receiving end of such treatment would make them realise just how much hurt and distress they'd caused, it might reaffirm a desire to be in a position of power.

#534: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 9:04 pm

Very, very nasty, and very very effective! Thanks Lesley.

#535: Author: Rachel,

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 9:41 pm

Thank you Lesley - pretty please with cherries on top may we have another post tonight?

(No harm in trying for 3 for 3!)

#536: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 9:50 pm

That must have been horrible - I've done a much much shorter less intense one using eye colours and that was difficult enough. But it does make you think

Has also been done at meals with Quaker teenagers, you draw a number at random, a very few are allocated to tables with loads of really nice varied food on, more to tables with enough plain food and the rest to a table with a very little bread and water - afterwards you explain that it represents the world and allocation of food resources

#537: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 10:45 pm

Wow. Just caught up on all of this. Sooo glad I missed some of those cliffs back there. *crosses fingers for something nice to happen next*

#538: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 10:53 pm

Gosh, I'm glad I got to read all the diversity training at once even if I did have to do all my wibbling at once! Thank you Lesley.

#539: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 11:21 pm

Sounds as though the scenario went the way it was supposed to: very unpleasant but educational, with both groups getting the point rammed home. I have to admit to relief though -- I had a feeling something extra would insinuate itself. Not that there won't be more opportunities!

*wondering about Katrina's reaction*

#540: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 11:32 pm

The rest of the Workshop was spent reviewing all that had been learnt, considering how to ensure it could be practically applied. It did not take long; everyone was still subdued following the role-playing, finding it difficult to ‘come down’ from the emotions the scenario had caused. At the end of the Workshop, once the Head had risen to thank the two men and Mrs Pelter, they all nodded and left. Miss Annersley looked round at the group, “I hope you all feel that the Workshop was worthwhile, and that you have learnt something. I intend that all the Senior School attend a similar course, I would be interested in your comments and observations. For those six who will be writing a report on this course, I expect it on my desk first thing Wednesday morning,” she looked at her watch, it was a little after four pm, you are relieved of the next two hours detention, to enable you to make a start. Everyone else, thank you for your attendance and participation.”

She waited while the girls all filed out, Nell Wilson walked over to join her, “Are you alright, Nell?”

“I am now,” Nell smiled ruefully, “though if I’d not gone out after Janet I may not have been!” They both looked across as Ruth and Rosalind moved toward them.

“Are you still speaking to us?” Ruth said somewhat diffidently,

Hilda smiled, ”Provided you don’t refer to eye colour, Ruth!”

“It was far more effective than I would have thought possible,” Rosalind said quickly, “and as Ruth said, worryingly easy to fall into the trap of going along with the prevailing opinion.”

“I have a rather nice bottle of Australian White cooling in my fridge,” Ruth smiled, “as a peace offering?”

“And she’s now trying bribery!” Nell grinned, “Is there no end to her crimes?”

“I’m happy with bribery, Nell,” Hilda smiled, “and after that session a glass of wine sounds good, after all, we’ve only had water since lunch!”

“And you could taste the hair gel too!”

#541: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 11:35 pm

Thank you Lesley. I've been sitting up hoping you would post some more!

#542: Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 11:38 pm

Thank you Lesley - for all the updates today, most impressed!

Have been on diversity training which was run along similar lines, complete with role play, it is definately an eye opening experience no matter how broad minded and accepting you think you are.

Looking forward to the next installment - though am sure that you have stayed on this track far to long and I am bieng lulled into a false sense of security.

#543: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 12:10 am

Thank you Lesley - wonderful updates, and so many of them!!! Have been in Hilda's/Nell's position in role-playing and RL before - can totally sympathise with them and hope that Katrina and co have seen the light!! Evil or Very Mad

#544: DIlemma for the Deputy Head Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 12:55 am

WEll, done, Lesley, what a very telling expose. And am I glad that I was able to read all these posts on the workshop at once - I think I'd have been chewing my finger ends if I'd had to wait for each one!!

Wonders whether the 6 for whom it was most intended will have learned their lesson - are we going to see the reports that they have to produce?

#545: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 1:37 am

Thank you Lesley - I've just read through the whole of the workshop in one go - what an intense session. I hope it bears good fruit in those six girls.

Liz

#546: Re: DIlemma for the Deputy Head Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:43 am

Elder in Ontario wrote:

Wonders whether the 6 for whom it was most intended will have learned their lesson - are we going to see the reports that they have to produce?

If you think I'm going to write six reports, each of a thousand words, suitable to pass muster for Hilda Annersley, you've got another think coming! Wink

#547: Re: DIlemma for the Deputy Head Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 10:24 am

Lesley wrote:

Elder in Ontario wrote:

Wonders whether the 6 for whom it was most intended will have learned their lesson - are we going to see the reports that they have to produce?

If you think I'm going to write six reports, each of a thousand words, suitable to pass muster for Hilda Annersley, you've got another think coming! Wink

Not even one? Wink

Thanks for all the new posts Lesley!

#548: Re: DIlemma for the Deputy Head Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 10:24 am

Lesley wrote:

Elder in Ontario wrote:

Wonders whether the 6 for whom it was most intended will have learned their lesson - are we going to see the reports that they have to produce?

If you think I'm going to write six reports, each of a thousand words, suitable to pass muster for Hilda Annersley, you've got another think coming! Wink

Ah, Lesley!! What a disappointment! You can do it!! Wink

Like Elder I have just read most of this in one go. Very scary and I'm glad I didn't have to ever go through something like it.

Thanks, Lesley.

#549: Author: Rachel,

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 1:04 pm

Woohooo Lesley!

Tis a bank holiday today (in case you hadn't noticed) so how many updates will we get today? Wink

#550: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 1:48 pm

Thank you shiny shiny Lesley!

Love the line about being able to taste the hair gel!!!!!

#551: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 1:56 pm

Thank you Lesley. That was very very uncomfortable reading.

I've done the blue eyes/brown eyes and they used our actual eye colour to separate us, so it was really really hard to see any immediately-obvious difference in people. Most of the brown-eyed ended up in tears, and we were the so-called superior majority!

#552: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 7:54 pm

i think lesley should choose six unfortunates to write the reoprts and a nominated Hilda can mark them!

*bags me out of this - RL is tooooo hectic*

#553: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 8:35 pm

Quote:

“And you could taste the hair gel too!”

Euuww!

Thanks Lesley, great posts. Wonder if they got through to Katrina?

#554: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:40 pm

The rest of the weekend was uneventful and the Real Chalet School settled into another normal week. Wednesday morning saw Miss Annersley walking across to her Study before breakfast, on her desk she discovered five reports, flicking through them she noted that one was missing and frowned. After breakfast she spoke to Miss Dene, asking her to schedule a meeting with each of the six girls concerned in the bullying, for that morning. The one who had not produced a report was to be last - the Head felt that it could be her most difficult interview with a student for many years.

The first to see Miss Annersley was Janet Saunders, a slight girl with pale blue eyes and brown hair. She had been one of the original chalet school pupils, had escaped with the rest nearly two years before. An unremarkable girl in some ways, but, until the revelations with taping Nancy Wilmot‘s lesson, someone that, Hilda had thought, was well aware of the values held dear by the Staff. She came into the Study very quietly and walked across to stand in front of the desk with her head bowed.

The Head quickly flicked through report written by Janet, she looked over at the girl, “Sit down please, Janet,” she said softly, she waited while the girl did so, “Your report is excellent, it shows a good understanding of the subject matter, you obviously learnt a great deal during our one day session.”

“Thank you Miss Annersley,” Janet’s voice was very quiet.

“Have you recovered from the role-playing? I noticed you were very upset on Saturday.”

Janet nodded slightly, then turned her face up to stare at the Head, “I never knew, before, what it felt like. I mean, it was silly really, the whole role-play thing, I knew it was all pretend, but it didn’t feel like it. If someone had said I’d get so upset about people saying that my eyes were the wrong colour. The saying ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me,’ it’s not true, is it?”

“No Janet,” Miss Annersley shook her head gravely, “Names, words can wound terribly, can hurt someone so badly that their entire life is blighted.”

Janet nodded, tears starting to fall from her eyes, “All the things they said, Mr Conway and Mr Speros, we’d used almost the same words, I didn’t realise…no, that’s not true, I didn’t care how much they would hurt. I do now. What Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars, what anyone does, it’s nothing to do with me, same as my eye colour is no one else’s business. I’m sorry, Miss Annersley.”

#555: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 10:34 pm

Thank you Lesley. I hope you are going to show all the interviews? Please?

#556: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 10:39 pm

(((Janet))) I know she needed to learn the lesson, but who among us doesn't?

Thank you Lesley.

#557: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 11:33 pm

((Janet)) I know she was in the wrong but she genuinly seems to have learnt her lesson. Iwonder who the missing essay could belong to? Hmm.
Thank you for the update Lesley.

#558: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 12:24 am

Thanks Lesley - if the lesson got home to only one of them it was worth it, although I'm hoping it will have got through to more of them.

Wibbling about that last interview though - sounds like Hilda could be in for a tough time.

Liz

#559: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 8:16 am

LizB wrote:

Wibbling about that last interview though - sounds like Hilda could be in for a tough time.

Echoes Liz.

Thank you, Lesley

#560: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 11:22 am

just caught up on lots of this - some very thought-provoking stuff. Hope all the girls learn from it, and that Hilda can talk some sense into the 6th one.

thanks Lesley

#561: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 12:58 pm

Knowing Lesley the sixth interviewee will be the one that we least expect!!!

Thanks for the update, Lesley - more please!

#562: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 2:19 pm

I'm glad the role play showed Janet the hurt she'd been causing, sounds like the CS (or RCS I should say) triumphs again.

Thanks Lesley

#563: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 7:12 pm

The interviews with the next four girls ran along fairly similar lines to that with Janet Saunders. The Head spoke to each girl individually, discussing their reports, the standard was fairly high for the written work – though Miss Annersley had expected no less from girls of the Sixth Form. She was more interested in discussing all they had learnt. Of the six girls involved in the bullying, two had ended up in the ‘light eyes’ sub-group, the next four girls had all been placed in the ‘normal’ group. There had been some concern that, by being in this group, the girls would not experience the full effects of the role-play scenario, after all, they had still been on the side of the bullies. However Miss Annersley found she had underestimated the effect having two friends of theirs in the other group would have; and the effect of seeing both herself and the Deputy Head in the group.

“Did that really make a difference, Angela?”

Angela Defoe nodded briskly, “Yes, Miss Annersley, because the reason, having a different eye colour, was so silly, yet it was even affecting you and Miss Wilson. And it was so easy to be in the other group, we had all the food and drink, comfortable chairs, the lecturers were really nice. That something so stupid could be the reason why you were all excluded.”

“Do you think that is always the case? That the reason is stupid?”

Angela shook her head, “No, Miss Annersley, sometimes it’s really serious. You know I’m hoping to study History at Uni?…. I mean University?”

The Head nodded.

“Well my main teacher is Miss Brown, but both she and Miss Townsend have been helping me out, looking at my application forms and things…Well, according to the Workshop, Miss Townsend would be…” She stopped, clearly distressed.

“Miss Townsend has a disability,” Miss Annersley continued, “quite correct, she is not the only member of Staff, I can think of two others easily.”

“Yes, well, I thought about it, thought about how it would be if we’d targeted Miss Townsend, didn’t think too well of myself. And what we did is just the same, I don’t care what Ka… anyone else says, we were wrong. I’m glad it was stopped.”

Miss Annersley noted the slip-up with regard to the name, but said nothing, instead, as she had with all the others, she said only that, after the weekend, when the three weeks of being restricted to School Grounds and detentions were complete, that Angela could return to Lower VIb.

There was only one more interview to perform; before asking Miss Dene to fetch the girl, Miss Annersley gave herself a short break and got a cup of coffee. This interview, she suspected, was going to be the most difficult, and the likelihood was that it was going to end very seriously. She finished her drink, gazed out of the window for a few short seconds to recharge herself, then contacted Miss Dene to ask that Katrina Palmer be brought along to the Study.

#564: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 7:43 pm

Wibble! I would not like to be conducting this next interview!

Thank you Lesley. I won't say I'm looking forward to the next interview but I'm sure Hilda will cope, however distressing.

#565: Dilemma for the Deputy Head Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 8:09 pm

Quote:

[quote="patmac"] I would not like to be conducting this next interview!

No, neither would I, but knowing Lesley, and knowing Hilda, I have every confidence that she (Hilda) will deal with Katrina in just the same way as she did with so many EBD Chalet school sinners. But will she be able to temper justice with mercy, or are we facing a Betty Wynne Davis scenario here?

Please don't keep us waiting too long to find out, Lesley

#566: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 8:18 pm

I have every confidence in Hilda sorting out Katrina, but it might end up more distressing for the Head than the girl.

Keeping well below the parapet on this one, knowing the slings and arrows when Hilda's voice gets to work - or should I say the slivers of ice!?! Sad

Like Elder, waiting in awful suspense.

#567: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 8:19 pm

Expell her!

(me, vengeful? Rolling Eyes

)

#568: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 8:42 pm

Catherine_B wrote:

Expell her!

(me, vengeful? Rolling Eyes

)

No no no, don't expell her! I want her to genuinely understand how much distress she has caused N&K and I'm not sure that expulsion would drive the message home - she might continue to hold those prejudices and inflict her opinions on another target elsewhere.

Aren't I the optimist?

#569: Dilemma for the Deputy Head Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 9:28 pm

No no no, don't expell her! I want her to genuinely understand how much distress she has caused N&K and I'm not sure that expulsion would drive the message home -

I think this is true. I also think (hope - she says, trying not to think the worst of Katrina, especially since she hasn't handed in her essay, either) that we are dealing with her ignorance of and bias against something which she does not understand and therefore regards as unnatural, rather than with the prejudice which was ingrained into Molyneux by his father in A Village Boy.

That being so, I'm suspecting that Hilda will indeed find it possible to avoid expelling her, although, knowing Lesley, nothing is certain until it's up on the Board!!!

Still really enjoying this, Lesley.

Last edited by Elder in Ontario on Tue May 03, 2005 10:51 pm; edited 2 times in total

#570: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 10:23 pm

Thanks, Lesley! Great to see Angela applying the lesson not just in vague generalities, but to specific RL situations.

Elder in Ontario wrote:

I also think (hope - she says, trying not to think the worst of Katrina, especially since she hasn't handed in her essay, either) that we are dealing with her ignorance of and bias against something which she does not understand and therefore regards as unnatural, rather than with the prejudice which was ingrained into Molyneux by his father in A Village Boy.

Well stated! Hopefully the CS influence will eventually get across to her.

But is the missing essay a function of
(a) Katrina too deeply moved to write,
(b) seething rebellion
(c) the beginning of a wicked plot -- wouldn't put it past the girl to collude with the slimy politician or some such
(d) generic student excuses (the kind Kathy will get in response to warning she just sent to people whose essays are already a week late)
(e) "Lesley knows what."

#571: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 10:26 pm

I would guess the last option is the most likely! Laughing

#572: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 10:31 pm

Out! out! out!

ROFL

#573: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 11:53 pm

*teeters on cliff edge.......*

#574: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 2:08 am

Thanks Lesley! I have just caught up with lots of this, no surprise there. As good as always. Glad the diversity workshop worked for those that have been interviewed. Wondering what will happen to Katrina!

Nice to see the glimpse of Robbie and Cherry.

#575: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 4:44 am

Just to warn everyone - will be away tonight - more of this tomorrow night.

#576: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 7:48 am

I've just caught up with the last six days worth. And was calmly thinking "Well, thankgoodness this will be resolved by the time I get to the last post".

I should have known.

The seminar was fascinating while ick. I think I would have needed more than one glass of wine afterwards.

Thanks Lesley

PS I really enjoyed your book!

Di with the Hazel eyes (brown/green) (are we hazels discriminators or discriminatees?)

#577: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 11:13 am

Thank you Lesley. That was amazing and very informative. Glad I wasn't involved - being firmly in the blue/grey eye colour camp.

#578: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 4:27 pm

Much as I dislike the idea of just expelling someone she had read and signed the anti bullying thing and if she is still unrepentant after this (which actually was a second chance) then she'd probably do mroe harm to the school than it could help her.

Thanks Lesley

#579: Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 7:17 pm

Knowing Lesley's style to date I suspect this is the start of the next "challenge" to hit the RCS - just think of the title (or maybe not for us of faint hearts Laughing

)

#580: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 10:45 pm

wibble

#581: Author: Signa, Location: Lily ponds, Bosherston

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 5:07 am

Oh ---- Ok, so nobody's aknowledging (yet) that Katrina's (totally unacceptable) behaviour is probably (almost certainly) rooted in her own deep fears of Being Like That? It's a pretty common reaction, you know. (Been there, done that...)

Great stuff, Lesley!

#582: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 9:20 am

Great posts Lesley. Glad to see the girls understanding how wrong they were. This is riveting stuff.

*joins the pleas not to expel Katrina* - would be great to see her finally realise the error of her ways (after a lot of drama of course! Wink

)

#583: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 10:57 am

*leans over very edge of cliff* Won't say what I think she deserves... this is a family board after all. Evil or Very Mad

Looking forward to Lesley and Hilda at their best!

#584: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 11:24 am

I've just caught up with the last few posts (and, of course, now find myself on a cliff).
Thanks Lesley.

#585: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 6:07 pm

Thanks Lesley - I'm glad at least those five weren't too horrible to deal with.

*slips bottle of wine into fridge at Nell & Hilda's cottage, makes sure there's plenty of ice and a supply of whisky, 'cos I'm not sure which she'll prefer*

Any chance Robbie can be loitering nearby to give her cuddles when she's finished with Katrina?

Liz

#586: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 7:28 pm

Hi!

Miss me?

When Katrina entered the Study Miss Annersley was seated at her desk. She watched the girl closely. Katrina Palmer had been part of the Real Chalet School for longer than the Head herself, joining while Miss Annersley was still on sick leave. She had been a good student from the start, fitting well into first Upper Vb then, during the last term, Lower VIb. Due to the size of the school now, it was not always possible for Miss Annersley to know all the girls, however Katrina had been pointed out as possible Prefect material, she had even been made Deputy Form Prefect. She was a natural leader, a good all-round student...here the Head stopped, suddenly remembering that Katrina's best subject was Maths…

"You wanted to see me, Miss Annersley?" the girl's tone was detached, almost disinterested, at least, that was the façade she wanted to present. Miss Annersley could see, however, that it was simply that, a façade, beneath it Katrina cared deeply.

"I did, Katrina, sit down please." Miss Annersley waited while the girl did just that, "I should like an explanation," she continued, "this morning, first thing, I found five reports on the Diversity Workshop on my desk. There should have been six.”

There was silence; it went on for some seconds.

“I’m waiting, Katrina,” the Head’s voice was stern, icy.

Katrina looked up, “I didn’t do it,” she said, half defiantly, she looked straight at Miss Annersley then dropped her head again, “You’re going to expel me, aren’t you? I knew you would, but I can’t say I’m sorry when I’m not, I won’t lie to you.”

“Do you want to be expelled?”

“No! Of course not! I love it here, but I didn’t write the report,” she mumbled.

“May I ask why not?”

Katrina swallowed, “I know what your plan was,” she said quickly, “making us go on that course, I know what you expected. And it worked for the others, they all fell for it. I suppose they’ve all been in here, haven’t they? Saying how they thought that what they did, what we did, was terrible.”

“Yes they have,” the Head confirmed, “am I to understand that you do not agree with that view?”

Katrina shook her head, “I don’t think what we did was terrible,” she said firmly, “it was what they deserve…”

Miss Annersley held up a hand and the girl stopped, “Why do you say that?” she asked, “Why did they deserve the type of treatment and abuse meted out by your friends and yourself? What have Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars ever done to you, that they deserved that?”

“Their relationship of course!”

“I realise that you disapprove of their relationship, Katrina, that is patently obvious,” the Head responded, “but they neither require nor need your approval. As for this campaign of yours, it was done with malicious intent to hurt, why? If you disapproved, that was your prerogative, but why the campaign?”

“To show them, of course,” Katrina said swiftly, “show them what all normal, decent people think of them,”

“But not everyone agrees with you, Katrina,” Hilda said patiently, determined to get to the root of Katrina’s reasoning, “what of all those that you would term ‘normal’ that do not believe as you do?”

Katrina looked down at the floor for some time, then, flushing somewhat she mumbled a phrase, “Well, maybe they are wrong, I mean, even you are not always right, Miss Annersley.”

There was silence for some time as the phrase washed over the Headmistress, she took a deep breath before answering, “No,” she agreed, “I am not. No person ever is. But, when I do make mistakes, I will acknowledge them, try to redeem myself. I see no evidence that you have even acknowledged your mistake. Did the Workshop teach you nothing?”

The girl sat in silence for a time, thinking, “I understood about the role-play,” she eventually, “I don’t know if you intended it or not, but me being in the group being discriminated against,” she shivered slightly, “that was really nasty. I’d never discriminate against someone because of their race, or colour, or if they were disabled. That’s disgusting.”

“But?”

“But…well…it’s not the same is it? I mean, you choose to be gay, don’t you? You don’t have to be. Mum says no one has to do those things, live like that, and it’s in the Bible and everything that it’s unnatural. I mean, I thought you’d agree with that, you and Miss Wilson, you’re both very religious. It’s against the Bible, isn’t it?”

#587: Author: Rachel,

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 8:13 pm

Thanks Lesley!

Interesting conversation. More?

#588: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 8:18 pm

Wow!

Slightly overwhelmed by all that, and what on earth is Hilda going to say? Are you going to go into a full theological discussion for us, Lesley, or is Hilda 'just' going to say that religion shouldn't make people behave so nastily?

Can't quite begin to imagine what happens here!

#589: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 8:29 pm

Just caught up with a load of posts Lesley, and feel wowed by what you've written - thank you!

Rather late, but never mind - congratulations to Rachael, Rob and Marshall! Trumpet

Thank you again Lesley!

#590: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 8:34 pm

Miss Annersley sat back, thinking deeply, that Katrina had thought about this was obvious, also obvious was the fact that there was a certain influence from home. She licked her lips slightly before replying, “From all that I’ve read, and from evidence given to me, I do not believe that anyone has a choice, not in the way that you interpret it. There are any number of people who chose to deny their feelings, but they are there nonetheless.”

“But in the Bible it say it’s unnatural.”

“Perhaps it does,” Miss Annersley agreed, “but my faith does not rest solely on the Bible, it rests on the knowledge that there is a loving God, one who loves us so much he sacrificed his only Son. That God would never be so cruel as to give his Children love, and then order that it never be acknowledged. Love, regardless of whether it is between friends or lovers, is a gift. As to the Bible, and all other writings, well, although they have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, on occasion they have been written by fallible men.”

There was silence within the Study for some time, as Katrina realised that the Head had poured out her innermost thoughts. Despite the situation she felt somewhat humbled and privileged.

After a time Miss Annersley spoke again, very gently, “Katrina, I’ll ask again, what had Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars done to you, that you should wish to repay them in this way? From all I remember you have always been a good student, your best subject is Maths. I would imagine Miss Wilmot has given you a great deal of help and encou…”

“…and then I find out she’s one of them!” Katrina interrupted angrily, her face white, her eyes full of tears, breathing fast she looked over at the Head, “I-I-I mean, I really liked her, she made Maths fun, I really enjoyed it, then…” She stopped, her head down.

Miss Annersley moved across to sit on the arm of Katrina’s chair, she placed an arm around the girl. Katrina buried her head into Miss Annersley’s side. “You liked Miss Wilmot?” there was a faintly interrogative end to the statement.

Katrina nodded slightly, her reply muffled, “I don’t mean, in that way,” she said haltingly, “I mean, I like boys, you know? But I really liked her as a teacher, my last school, if you were good at Maths you were a geek, a boffin. Not here, and she was always so calm and friendly, so helpful. And last term, when I found out I was in her Form, I was really pleased. Wasn’t till Half Term I found out the truth.”

“Half Term?” Miss Annersley repeated, trying to remember what had happened.

“Yes, I went home for Half Term, and, on the Saturday, Mum had a party, loads of people from her work and they were talking about how someone had been expelled from the local Church, and why. And I realised that they could have been talking about Miss Wilmot. And I was so angry, I mean, I’d thought she was so perfect, I’d really admired her and…”

“You found that, according to you, your idol had feet of clay.”

#591: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 8:47 pm

Oooooh.... thank you for that Lesley. So it's disappointment that's made Katrina act like she has been. I hope she does see the error of her ways, but if she doesn't, I don't see that Hilda has any choice but to let her go.

JackieJ

#592: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 8:52 pm

This is certainly a challenge for the heads! Confused

#593: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 9:08 pm

In answer to your first question, Yes, of course we missed you Lesley! Not just because of a lack of RCS Wink

Against all my own prejudices Confused

you are making me feel really sorry for Katrina. She's not acting out of nastiness but from deep rooted beliefs, however misguided we know them to be.

#594: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 9:14 pm

The fact that Katrina has enough sensitivity to feel humbled that her Head has revealed her own deeply held beliefs to a pupil, and the fact that she is letting Hilda get under her guard and open up, gives me hope that Hilda will get through eventually.

Waiting for the next bit avidly, Lesley. Rolling Eyes

#595: Dilemma for the Deputy Head Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 9:58 pm

I was lucky and read both the last two posts at once. I can't do better than echo Patmac and Mary here, Lesley - and I'm very glad that Hilda has broken through Katrina's resistance to the real reason for her attitude - and also glad that basically it is born out of ignorance and listening to other people. Like Mary, this gives me hope for the eventual outcome - although I don't trust Lesley not to throw a couple of cliffs at us before we get there!

Waiting eagerly for the next piece

#596: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 10:21 pm

Oh wow! I also read them together Lesley. I wish I could write anywhere near as well as you do. That was Hilda at her best.

#597: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 11:05 pm

another one who's glad she caught them both together!

Katrina's obviously thought about this which makes it sad that she's come to this conclusion and felt that she ought to do something, but it's also quite reassuring for RCS as a whole that she isn't blindly prejudiced.

#598: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 7:25 am

Thanks, Lesley. It's much easier to understand, now, how Katrina has gotten to her current point of view. It doesn't excuse her actions, of course, but makes it harder to boo her as a one-dimensional villain.

*throws in another cheer for Hilda*

#599: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 9:14 am

Thank you Lesley - and of course we missed you. Also glad I read those two posts together, its good to see that HIlda is understanding how much Katrina has thought this though and that she is seeming to get through to her a bit - but will it be enough?

#600: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 1:12 pm