By Laura Besley
“Your daughter tells me she came to school this morning without having breakfast.” I sigh. Like I’m not busy enough running this school, now I have to educate the parents of my pupils.
The sound of children’s laughter drifts in through the open window.
“Children can’t learn on empty stomachs, Mr. Jackson. There’s plenty of research to underpin this.”
He stares at me and I look back, properly, and notice his jutting cheekbones, purple-rimmed eyes. My stomach flutters: with shame, ignorance. “But I don’t need to tell you this, do I?”
“No,” he whispers.
“This won’t do. How can I help?”
I like the skilful handling of an important subject, it is an enjoyable and emotional read.
I love the turnaround in the principal’s mind, the willingness to see things differently.
Well written reminder to help us understand that sometimes we must read between the lines before passing judgement.
Very sad. Glad the principal opened her eyes.