'Do not be discouraged from contacting deputies'
IN THE days before the States once again debate the organisation of secondary education and in particular selection at 11, correspondence on these matters which has been received by deputies from teachers has generated some controversy and public interest. Like other deputies I have received countless emails and calls from teachers, past and present. The overwhelming majority have put arguments against selection at 11, but a few have put arguments in favour of selection at 11.
I respect the views of all those who have contacted me.
Almost without exception the teachers who have contacted me have conveyed their views and advice with clarity, courtesy and professionalism.
It is, in my view, deeply regrettable that a very small number of deputies who favour selection at 11 have found it necessary generally to denigrate the efforts of teachers who have conveyed their advice to us. I have spoken to several teachers who have been left astounded by some of the comments made about their profession.
Unfortunately the impression has been created that some deputies are offended to receive professional advice unless it accords with their own cherished anecdotes.
Please be assured that many deputies on both sides of the debate, me included, are eager to dissociate themselves from such rebarbative and unjustified criticism of professional advice, which on this occasion happens to have been offered by the teaching profession but which, on other issues on other occasions, will be offered by people with experience in other walks of life. In my experience most deputies are very pleased to receive correspondence and advice, including from professionals, and not to be slaves to it but to afford it due consideration in weighing up the arguments before them.
I can speak only for myself. I do not pretend to be speaking on behalf of any of my colleagues, although I know that many of them agree with the sentiments I am expressing.
I would like teachers, and the people of Guernsey generally, to know that many of their elected representatives welcome the great number of letters, emails and calls they have received from teachers in recent weeks and months. It is respected that teachers who have contacted deputies, whether favouring or opposing selection at 11, have done so because of their experience working with children and their studies of pedagogy and that the interests of children are always uppermost in their minds.
I have also been pleased to receive a great deal of correspondence on these matters from people who are not teachers. Many of them are parents. In my experience most deputies read and value all such correspondence and conversations.
In preparing for the debate in the States this week I have also recalled the many useful conversations about education which I had with parishioners when I canvassed the Vale ahead of the general election earlier this year.
In view of the recent rebarbative and unjustified criticism of correspondence received by deputies, as a deputy I want to make a general plea to the people of Guernsey – do not be discouraged from contacting deputies to share your views and experiences, whether you are speaking professionally or personally.
DEPUTY MATT FALLAIZE.
