Spare the rod...

I stand on all fours with the people sympathising with PE teacher Antonello Calleja and would like to express my solidarity with him, though I know him only through the media.

I am a former headmaster with an experience starting at 16 years and finishing at 61.

It is a shame, first and foremost for the student, his parents and the school management, but also on the education authorities and union, to allow a teacher to succumb to such a base idea of apologising to the student in front of his parents and peers.

This is simply unimaginable in an educational institution and reminiscent of Middle Age tactics.

Why didn't all personnel who knew the facts offer their services as witnesses in defence of their colleague when the case was referred to the courts in the hope that the judgment delivered would have been in the interest of discipline?

Looking at today's youths there is much to be desired as some would think they can get away with anything.

What punishment was meted to the student for his continuous misbehaviour and provocations? Is it a wreath of laurels?

Didn't Christ use the whip in the temple or is it that the proverb of spare the rod and spoil the child is no longer applicable under the pretence of abuse?

Issuing circulars and lecturing at the university do not offer a solution as things are easier said than done. It is the people on the battlefield who know best and not the Home Office. It is also a known fact that one has to speak one's language to be understood. Lately and also not so lately, there have been cases of abuse even by authorities and none have been taken to court, fined or admonished.

In the name of justice, I feel that the authorities responsible for all the action should make the apology and compensate with some kind of remuneration the individual for the unjust treatment he has been put through.