Try Manners

Even Stephen knew not to cross the line with Mr Walsh. He turned to Mr Walsh. Mr Walsh spoke very clearly. “I will see both of you during the break.” Stephen sat down. I was wondering what I had done? All I had pointed out was that the ball had ‘Lancaster Park 1963’ written on it in the same sort of pen as used on the ball by those signing their names. Signing them, on Saturday, according to Stephen. The actual lesson began somewhat later than had been planned and Mr Walsh attempted to push us through the class. He managed it, as the bell rang. We continued until Mr Walsh said. “Thank You. You may go to break” Then the students opened their desks and put away the books. Yes, we had desks with lids that lifted up. The ones you could open and turn your head to the side to speak to the person next to you, hopefully without the teacher noticing), or as I found on many an occasion, someone could raise it up and blow a spitball at your attentive face (Attentive towards the actual lesson that is, not towards the spitball). The students in Mr Walsh’s class then stood up from their desks. Pushed their chair in ‘straight’ (quietly) and walked out of the room. This is an uncommon sight in many schools today, where as the bell is ringing it’s first clang (or buzzing it’s first buzz), some students are already standing and walking out of the classroom. With teachers having to shout lesson instructions, or homework demands, above the students vocal and noisy departure.

I would call it unruly, ill-disciplined and bad manners. Many say it’s just the way it is. Who let it get that way? Obviously the previous generations.

However, for Stephen and I we knew to remain at our desk until Mr Walsh was ready for us. He casually took out his lunch box and removed an apple. He watched the other students move out down the stairs and onto the playground below. Then he stood up and quietly made his way to the front of our desks. He put the apple in his pocket and sat on the edge of the desk before us. “Mr Dwyer (that meant he wanted my undivided attention). Mr Walsh used last names as an attention getting device (It worked. It would not be that good for you if it didn’t). Mr Walsh had once pointed out, it was the students job to first listen, then ask. “and Mr Pritchard” He began. Stephen sat his large frame up a little straighter as well. We both asked “Sir?” There are two problems here. Mr Pritchard has made a mistake in his excitement. Mr Dwyer has the unfortunate ability to have spotted that mistake, without realising it.” We were both puzzled. I wasn’t sure what the mistake was, that was true, and Stephen had no idea what the mistake was, that was obvious. Mr Walsh continued kindly. “Mr Pritchard, the All Blacks did not play at Carrisbrook on Saturday, they played in Christchurch. There was a moments silence as this filtered through to both of us.

(Continued tomorrow)