Izma : Case Closed (?)

So... the case is now considered 'closed'.

Had a meeting with the HM, her 2 assistants, the discipline teacher and the school counsellor on Tuesday. Izma was not present, tho I requested for her to be there.

Cut to the chase : Izma has insisted she did not slap Stephanie repeatedly with a book. She just 'touched' Steph's shoulders with a thin book!

Well, anyway, HM said Izma has been given a show-cause letter, and they'll be keeping an eye on her. And to further explain their investigation (and protect her teachers, of course), she invited one of the assistant (A-HM) and the discipline teacher, DT, to give their reports.

The A-HM said she spoke to a few students from Steph's class, and they all confirmed that Izma did not hit Steph. Anyone could imgine how frightened a child would be to be called to the office and be questioned about Izma! (Steph told me later that one of the nice and dedicated Teacher asked those students why they did not tell the truth. The kids said that they did not dare as Izma might start hitting them too! I spoke to the Teacher, but she said that she's not allowed to discuss the case.)

According to DT, who consulted the few teachers who teach in Steph's class, Steph is a rude, disobedient child. He implied that because of Steph's behavior, she deserved to be hit (?). Oh, you could imagine my fury. I lost it it!!! Raised my voice and everything. Pointed out to them that since Year 1, Steph has been getting an A on her attitudes towards her studies and school in general. She might not excel in certain subjects, but teachers has always given her good remarks when it comes to her behavior and attitude. And now they (the HM, DT & Izma, at least) are implying that Stephanie is a 'discipline problem'?

As I was nearly screaming, the DT quickly added that Steph's 'discipline problem' is 'mild'. At this time, the school counsellor quietly said that "Stephanie is a good girl". (He has been on the investigation for this case and has spoken at length with Steph). That calmed me down, and the DT tried to climb out of the hole he dug himself by giving all sorts of nonsensical excuses about what he meant by 'discipline problems'. In the end he just trailed off......

Well.... anyway, Izma wrote an official apology "kerana menyetuh anak puan di bahagian bahunya dengan buku nipis". (touching your daughter on her shoulder with a thin book). Initially, I refused to accept that apology because Izma refused to acknowledge her wrong.

But my hubby, ever the calm, cool man, played 'good cop' to my 'bad cop'. He said of course the teacher will not admit in writing that she hit a student. That will be like handing over evidence of a crime. And since she has been given a show-cause letter, her career prospects has been much compromised. So we'll accept this way of settlement now. If it ever happens again in future, a lawyer will be involved!

So.... the case is now considered 'closed'..... until the next time (?)

A Pasar Malam Experience

I took Damian to makan dinner at the local Pasar Malam (Night Market). He has been to the Pasar Malam , ummm, maybe 4 times in his entire life, so you can imagine that this is indeed a treat for him and he's eager to try some new stuffs.

We decided on Asam Laksa and some sinful fried chicken fillet with cinnamon and fresh chilli powder (yummy!) We have to share a table with this man (in his late 40s, maybe). He was eating his asam laksa quietly, he doesn't look like anyone you'd take notice of.

Immediately after his dinner, the man lighted a cigarette and literally blew smoke into our faces and food! Damian coughed and look meaningfully at me. I said to Damian, "It's all selfishness. The world would be a better place if we're not so selfish."

And to our shock, the smoker started yelling at us "What's wrong with me having a quiet smoke after my dinner? Can't I enjoy life?!!!!"

I stared back at him (coolly, I believe), "Of course you can enjoy life, but we have the right to breathe un pollutted air!"

He continued yelling, "Then drop dead! Your son can also drop dead! Hah! I was not disturbing anyone! I was just having a quiet dinner!"

Damian was obviously shaken. I whispered to him "It's ok. Just finish our dinner. When someone curse you, the curse will fall back on him."

And he continue shouting (yes, people were looking) "So what if the curse falls back on me? Hah! You don't like ciggarette smoke, don't come out of your house-la!"

I fixed my eyes on him and stared daggers at him. (Anyone who's familiar with the killing-look-of-a-mother will know what I'm talking about.) He immediately shut-up. He finished his ciggy and dialled someone on the phone and started yelling into it saying "If you don't pay up I'll just have to force you" (yar, like that kind of talk is going to scare me!)

I continued staring at him ... making him all flustered. Then we left, only after I slowly finish my asam laksa, all the while staring at him!

Damian was troubled by the whole incident. I explained that maybe that man had a real bad day, and is somewhat crazy, and the slightest provocation sets him off. Poor guy!

"What about him telling us to drop dead?" he asked

It's like this. If you throw a stone at a wall, what happens? It'll bounce back and hit the thrower, right? We are like the wall, protected by our strong faith and values, and no curse can touch us. We are children of God and Jesus is our Lord after all. Who can harm us?

Damian is more relieved after that.