He stood at the doors, still trembling, tear stains marking his checks. He had been taught to be brave, but today he needed more, he needed shelter, love and reassurance. Ignoring the further jabbing from classmates passing by him as he waited patiently for his ride home.
For over two weeks he had kept this problem to himself. He followed all the rules and guidelines set out by the school attempting to resolve the problem and had repeatedly reported it to his teacher; but after two weeks of being bullied in the hallways he again went to his teacher seeking help and was told “not to be such a baby.”
He had honored her position in his classroom and when he received her dismissal and cruel words he cried out in frustration.
Once in the car he felt secure, safe and loved and proceeded to explode with emotion releasing the damages of his day; without pause it came pouring out reflecting fear, sadness, embarrassment and frustration. He announced that he would not return to that pain that disrespect and that hate.
Unknowingly he had accepted someone else’s problems and abuse and this became heightened into complexities beyond his understanding when the classroom teacher chose not to validate him.
For the next three hours he only allowed spirits of condolence to blanket him absorbing his pain, trying to guide him back to his strength and his gentle spirit.
On this night when he felt as if he had been robbed of his innocence he sought and received understanding and sought probable solutions.
He learnt even at 10 years old he had alternatives; he had presence and he as a member of his classroom had relevance. He was reminded not to attempt to recognize the cruelty of the teacher that day but was rest assured she would stand accountable for her actions.
He was reminded that he did not fail or misunderstand that while in the schools attendance they had accepted responsibility to provide a safe environment for him and in this situation they had failed.
After discussing and reviewing his options, including standing back and allowing his parents to charge, and take over the teacher and classroom until all had surrendered, would bring a brief victory, but the long range affects would probably not work in his favor; this action was compared to bullies charging bullies.
His confidence returning, he agreed he would return to the school and ask to meet with the Principal. He would present his problem with facts and ask the Principal for his assistance.
The next morning his courage had not risen to allow him to cross over the threshold of the main office leading to the Principals office.
The following day, without hesitation he took action. At 10 years old he found the courage to make his appointment.
Mr. Royce, the Principal quietly listened and took notes; once completed he asked questions relevant to each occurrence over the past two weeks. He then stood and walked towards this young man knelt down and apologized, shook his hand and guaranteed that he was taking immediate responsibility for correcting this matter.
All the young men involved in the disturbances admitted to their involvement and were immediately removed from the school; and the teacher, well Mr. Royce recommended to the school district that she be sent on a remedial course.
He left school that day, secure in his environment. As he entered the car that afternoon his confidence was infectious, not as the conquer, but as a young man who had been shown respect and validation.
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Now, years later sitting as a visitor in the Province Legislature Assembly witnessing with embarrassment the antics of the elected Members of Parliament, he remembered the judgment and the guidance he was blessed to have received many years before.
Perhaps Mr. Royce could recommend a remedial course on conduct to the Honorable Members of Parliament.
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