Mum upset over school haircut for son

Repost from AsiaOne News

By Teh Jen Lee
The New Paper
Monday, Jan 09, 2012


IT WAS the first day of school on Tuesday, and she was shocked when her son SMSed to say he was getting his hair cut.

By the time she rushed to the school, there were uneven patches on his head, and his hair looked as if it had been unprofessionally cut.

The 43-year-old woman, who gave her name only as Madam Yeo, was upset that her 14-year-old son was subjected to a drastic hair cut by a staff member at Springfield Secondary.

So upset, in fact, that she called in the police and later complained to the Ministry of Education (MOE).

She said her son, a Secondary 2 student, went for a haircut four days before school reopened.

Madam Yeo, a general manager, estimated that at school, about 7cm of his hair was cut off. It had been styled to the side.

She told The New Paper: "Who gave the teacher the authority to do such damage?

Shouldn't the school work with the parents and not act unilaterally like this?"

Madam Yeo, who requested that her son not be named, was further angered when she reached the school that day and saw him bent over a table writing out a "statement".

She said the staff member, an allied educator, made her son write different versions of what had happened. It took two hours until he was satisfied.

When TNP asked to see the statement, Madam Yeo said she had torn it in anger.

She said: "The principal said it was a mere trim and that the teacher was doing his duty.

We called the police but they said this matter should be addressed by the MOE."

The mother, who subsequently complained to MOE, said: "If it was just a symbolic snip, a bit of hair cut off as a warning, I would have been fine (with it)."

Her son admitted this was not the first time the school had an issue with his hair being too long.

He said: "It was around the middle of last year. The teacher cut off about 1cm of hair as a warning.

"It was fine after that - I didn't have to do anything more. My parents didn't even notice it."

Madam Yeo said: "This time, the teacher really went too far."

She took her son to the hair salon to get his hair fixed after the incident.

Too traumatised

Her son said he was too traumatised to go to school the next day.

Madam Yeo said: "His asthma acted up, he had to use his inhaler. I keep seeing him touch his head and it's really painful for me as his parent."

She said the MOE responded through the cluster superintendent in charge of Springfield, who assured her that the incident would not be repeated.

The superintendent arranged for a meeting yesterday but Madam Yeo declined to elaborate on the outcome as she had promised MOE not to do so.

Springfield's principal, Mrs Jenny Ng, told TNP that before the December holidays last year, students were reminded of a "grooming check" when school reopens.

She said the information is also on the school's website and guidelines on appropriate haircuts are provided in the school handbook issued to all students.

The handbook, which Madam Yeo showed us, states: "Boys must keep their hair short. Fanciful and unkempt hair styles are not allowed".

Mrs Ng said that grooming checks are first done by the form teachers in their classrooms. Students who were deemed to have long hair or improper hairstyles would be sent for a second check by another team of school staff.

"The trim is meant as a guide for the student to get a proper haircut that day," she said. She added that all school staff members are responsible for the discipline of students and that the school will continue to engage Madam Yeo.

When asked to comment on the case, a spokesman for MOE said: "Good discipline in schools is important as it facilitates teaching and learning. Every member of the school has a role to play in ensuring good discipline in school."

The statement added that MOE provides schools with a set of guidelines in managing school discipline and schools may have their own school rules depending on their needs.

Madam Yeo said her son went back to school on Thursday.

She said: "I had to assure him that everything will be okay."

Two secondary school principals said that every school has its own policy on disciplining students with hair issues, depending on the situation.

Said one principal, who has 20 years of education experience: "As far as possible, we inform the parents and the student goes to get his hair cut or dyed black.

"They can come back to school and resume classes after that."

She said students must have acceptable hairstyles because it's basic behaviour.

"But different schools have different ways of managing such cases because they face different circumstances," she added.
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If the school has told the students that a check would be done when school reopen, she should bring your 14 year old son to David Gan to get his hair done professionally.  Yes, you didn't hear me wrong...BRING her 14 year old secondary 2 little boy to cut his hair.  As a repeated offender, he should already know how short his hair should be cut. Don't blame the school for the unprofessional haircut when there was chances given before action was taken.  And if she really wants to protect her little boy like that....I'd suggest home school.  She can then let her boy keep whatever hairstyle he wants!  And someone need to educated this so-called GM that she don't call the police for over every single issue.  Hair cutting is not a criminal offence!  Call the corps for what????  They won't be able to do a better job on his little boy's hair!

What Are The Keys To Your Heart Quiz?

This quiz comes with a question and 4 options to choose 1.

1. The end of the world is near, and you have the power to save only one kind of animal. What do you save? (Deer, Horse, Sheer, Rabbit - ans: Horse)
2. You travel to Africa. When you visit a tribe, they insist you take a live animal as a souvenir. Which one will you choose? (Giraffe, Monkey, Lion, Snake - ans: Monkey)
3. You did something wrong. God punishes you by turning you into an animal of your choice. You decide to become a: (Cat, Dog, Horse, Snake - ans: Horse)
4. If you have the power to make one species disappear forever, which one will that be? (Shark, Lion, Crocodile, Snake - ans: Snake)
5. If you someday met an animal that could speak in human language, you would want that animal to be a...(Rabbit, Bird, Horse, Sheep - ans: Horse)
6. On an isolated island, you can only have an animal as you companion. You choose: (Human, Pig, Cow, Bird - ans: Human)
7. If you had the power to tame all kinds of animals, you'll choose what kind of animal to be your pet? (Leopard, Dinosaur, White Tiger, Polar Bear - ans: White Tiger)
8. If you could be an animal for 5 minutes, which one you would like to be? (Cat, Pigeon, Horse, Lion - ans: Lion)

The Results

Your Heart Craves Love

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.

You'd like your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.

Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily. 

Would You Be a Good Wife Personality Test?

Out of 20 items, these are the selections I have chosen:

1. You are quite unselfish. You are able to put your needs last in a relationship.
2. You notice when someone does something small for you, and you make sure to say "thank you."
3. You are independent, but you are also able to let someone play a big role in your life.
4. You are good at sharing your time, possessions, and money.
5. You are willing to put a spouse first, in front of any other friends or family members.
6. You are able to lose a fight to save your relationship.
7. You are able to ignore the little personal habits of others that get on your nerves.
8. If the romance in a relationship is dying, you don't sulk. You try to get it going again.
9. You have a good sense of humor. You can laugh at adversity.
10. You have at least a few close friends, and you know how to be a good friend.
11. You find it easy to forgive. You don't carry grudges.
12. You are careful with your words. You refrain from criticizing, complaining, and gossiping.
13. You don't enter relationships with unrealistic expectations. It's easy for you to accept people as they are.
14. You are a trusting person. You are willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt, even when you're feeling a little suspicious.   

My result for the test: (only 70% hahaha)

You Would Be a Good Spouse 70% of the Time

You have what it takes to be an amazing wife.
You are caring, patient, giving, and romantic. You are willing to work for a marriage.

More than anything, you're not about to let your ego ruin a relationship.
You are humble and unselfish. And that's the key to being a good spouse. 

THE NOOSE Season 3 Taxi Drivers Learn French EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW by mediacorpch5 learn French

This is really funny.  I love The Noose!!!!

Disclaimer: The Noose is a TV program in Singapore showcasing a series of spoof news.  They are not real...don't be offended.  Watch with a light heart, yah?

Five Stupid Questions Women ask Men

Got this off someone's posting on facebook.

Ooops....I'm guilty.  The last part about the hug is hilarious....^_^. 

Diss-Grace-Fu Ministerial Salary Review

Got this note off facebook and I thought the author expressed it well.  It is weird to read that in 2006, pay was not a key factor for Grace Fu to join politics but now, it will make it harder for 'any one' considering political office.  I guess if she is worried about the loss of privacy, public scrutiny, loss of personal time, disruption to her career, drastic change in her standard of living with the drop of her income then I guess its perhaps time for her to leave politics because her heart is no longer with the people.  Everything revolves around her....her life, her income, her career, her personal time....etc.  What about those who voted for her?  What about those who paid her salary? What about service?  Our ministers are already the highest paid (even after the pay cut).  With a small country...sorry, I meant to say city, to govern, salary is not even on par with other leaders in the world. Frankly, it's good to voice her opinion...but it's better if a little PR skills is included in the 'voice'.  Just a thought.  Anyway, here's what I got from Facebook.

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Author: Cheryl Guzman
Note title:  Diss-Gace-Fu Ministerial Salary Review

I woke up this morning and saw this comment by MP Grace Fu, and as a taxpayer, I am going to practice my right to say something.

theonlinecitizen
MP Grace Fu: "When I made the decision to join politics in 2006, pay was not a key factor. Loss of privacy, public scrutiny on myself and my family and loss of personal time were. The disruption to my career was also an important consideration. I had some ground to believe that my family would not suffer a drastic change in the standard of living even though I experienced a drop in my income. So it is with this recent pay cut. If the balance is tilted further in the future, it will make it harder for any one considering political office."

Dear Ms Grace Fu,

Before you comment on yours and your fellow colleagues' impending salary cuts, I have a few questions for you. Seeing that you hold quite a double portfolio (Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts & Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources), you might need some help from me to guide you in your train of thought because like SMRT, I think you have derailed and broken away from your true purpose as a Minister- a civil servant so to speak.

1. What were your reasons (really), when you decided to joined the PAP in 2006. Of course pay was not a factor then because being a Minister was going to pay more as a CEO, South East Asia & Japan of PSA International Pte Ltd. The "glory" that came with it? The money? Because it sure doesn't seem like it was the need to serve the nation and people. Your motivations for joining the civil service are/were clearly wrong. If you are worried about future possible salary cuts again (that are tied to your performance), quit now and let someone else with the heart to serve, do it for the right reasons.

2. You said if there are further cuts to your over $1.1 million annual salary, and up to 13.5 months bonus, it would deter people from joining politics. Maybe you are so busy wondering where to put your money and holding your double-portfolio that you find no time to read the papers because other than your colleagues, ALL of your fellow politicians globally (who govern bigger countries and more often than not bigger and troubling issues like war, natural disasters, political unrest, debt crises...etc) earn less than you. I'm sure your job has its challenges, but being in charge of Information, Arts and Communications versus a Prime Minister who has to fight to make sure his country doesn't go into default... honestly... it makes your job look like child's play.

3. If you were so worried about a change in standard of living for your family with the pay cut, then what is your husband for? I'm sure you have the luxury (unlike many others) of a double income since your maid is around to help care for your three children. And does your standard of living inlcude a 3 room HDB flat, taking crowded public transport, no nice family holidays, SGD$1000 income per month, and mountains of bills that you worry you cant pay every month? You do know that your so-called standard of living is not the common STANDARD of living amongst alot of your fellow Singaporeans. Especially not the lower 20% that you now have to buck up to help raise that standard of living. So stop the sod story.

4. You're worried about loss of privacy and public scrutiny? You should have known that comes with the job. It's like a taxi driver who complains that he hates driving (though he probably has less of a comfort in his income than you are). Let's face it, you don't get chase down the road by paparrazzis and yourself and your colleagues ever only make an appearance once every 5 years when you need our votes. I'm sure if you stepped out of your house (which is not in Yuhua- which you are an MP for), hardly anyone would recognize you. I am sorry to inform you that you're not a celebrity (not even the so-called local artistes are celebrities). You're a civil servant. Just like Mdm Zubaidah teaching Maths in Loyang Secondary School.

5. You whine about a pay cut that still makes you a millionaire. Well the economy wasn't exactly stellar the last two years, and many people saw themselves take a paycut too. With some losing their jobs. So what is your bone of contention here? This is your first pay cut in your entire career and your tone seems one filled with regret and warning of what future cuts could result in. Obama earns less than you, but he still joined politics. I'm pretty sure he is more talented and capable than you, because for a start, he speaks better. So does every other Minister (and a certain Royal family). Money and talent? Join X-Factor. it's a USD$5million contract. There you get more money and you can show off whatever this talent is that all of you keep harping on. And you only need to win 3 votes out of  4 to get through.

6. People deal with tsunami devastations and you can't even solve a "ponding" issue (you guys shot yourself in the foot by trying to downplay the actual flooding by calling it "ponding", so now it just seems like you're being paid millions and yet can't even solve a simple plumbing problem).

7. Quit being a public SERVANT now because you are definitely in it for the wrong reasons- duty to serve comes after money in the bank. Join X-factor and I might still vote for you. Continue to whine and gripe about your (no longer outrageously) but still obscenely high salary, and 5 years down the road, you'll see if anyone would still vote for you.

We're paying your salaries, so get back to work and quit wasting time making diss-grace-fu comments like that because it just puts you in the limelight which puts you in public scrutiny (which you "seem" to want to avoid).

Thanks.

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And now for some entertainment

First blog of the year

This is my first blog of the year and I thought I wanted to be creative and come up with something that will leave an impression.  But after struggling with the zzzzzz monsters, I decided to make it simple so that my brain juice will not be squeezed dry.  Spent a good closure of the year with a friend in church watching "The Noose (replica)"...it was quite funny.  While watching the different segments of dance, torch relay, videos...etc, I kept wondering when the balloons are going to be released.  Buffet was yummy..especially the ang mo carrot cake.  2012 started off with the forgiveness of a good friend.  Her graciousness and generosity was something I didn't deserve.  But I guess she placed friendship above all else.  When she said "anything happen, you still have us by your side", I knew I have a friend for life.  I'm grateful and thankful for her forgiveness.  We chatted the whole time on whatsapp while I was wallowing in self-pity at the airport lol.  Yah, I felt pathetic and was feeling so sorry for myself.... and she knows why ^_^  Nonetheless, it was a good chat.  At least we understand that what doesn't break us will only make us stronger.  Our friendship will be taken up to another level.  The 2 hours whatsapp chat did it all!!  Thumbs up for technology!

Lesson today wasn't as easy as the first one.  But I guess I need to practice more in order to perfect my skills.  As you can see, this hand wasn't dry yet but I went ahead to do the finishing touch.  Still damp at the part where the color wasn't white. My partner wanted to do the 1-2-2 hand sign.  She's a nice lady who grooms pets!  And better still, stays near me :)  I love making new friends!