ABSTRACT
The urgent phone call from the junior school receives priority over scheduled interviews and tasks that are demanding attention on the desk. The Acting Head of the Junior School tells me that the grade 1 teacher has left her class in tears. She
was so upset that she is being counselled by another member of staff before having the rest of the day at home. I am also advised that a replacement teacher has been found and so the students are being cared for. What has happened, why has it happened and what is to be done, are now issues for the principal to attend to immediately. Through telephone conversations and interviews I quickly piece together what has happened. I learn that the morning’s incident is not isolated and that the teacher was feeling harassed by the parents. This morning’s incident was the last straw. I phone the teacher to offer support and I talk to the Head of the Junior School to see how further support can be given to that teacher. I phone the parent who was involved in the incident and ask for an interview and, at the same time, arrange a meeting with all parents in grade 1 so that they can express their concerns, and the school, through me, can explain what has happened and how the problem can be resolved.
