Plus - Letter to the Editor

Musaeus muddle: Mme. Higgins must be weeping

When a determined, selfless and committed German educationist selected our country to start a Buddhist girls’ school more than a hundred years ago, she might not have foreseen the kind of challenges her school would face in the 21st century.

At a time, when the people of our country were blindly imbibing western customs, habits and the dress code, Marie Musaeus Higgins was bold enough to initiate a concept of bringing the west and the east to work together in friendly co-operation. She encouraged her students to uphold their traditional customs, habits and culture while also teaching them western etiquette and style. English was the chosen medium of education and religious activities.

Discipline was undoubtedly a hallmark of the school, but equally important was individuality of the students and appreciation of the different strengths of each girl.

'All work and no play' was never encouraged in school while the 'goody two shoes' and the 'tomboys' coexisted in perfect harmony and joy. The same teachers were both loved and hated, like the change of the weather, while punishment was taken in its stride with a giggle or a tear. Parents never interfered with the school's decisions except when they wanted to discuss the child's general progress. Pranks and mischief were always rife. Boyfriends were the most important topic of discussion and love letters floated freely inside books and files. Most of us would have been caught for one 'bad deed' or another and taken to task. Did anybody complain and hate the school for any of this? I think not.

Did this formula work all these years? Ask the thousands of proud Musaeusites who have walked through the halls of this illustrious school. The answer would be an overwhelming yes.

I belong to the third generation of Musaeusites, as my grandmother was a grand old lady who was lucky enough to study under Mme. Higgins and wouldn't hear of any other school but Musaeus when it came to my secondary education.

As memories of my school were so pleasant, I am simply appalled and distressed at what is being said and written about it by a few who know and most who don't. I haven't stopped thinking what Mme. Higgins would have felt if she was alive today. She would surely be a sad lady.

Kavindi taking her life within the confines of her own school shocked and jolted the whole country. As a mother I can feel the pain of her parents. My heart bleeds for them. I can equally empathise with the teachers and students who are numb with grief and shocked at this unfortunate incident. Unfortunately the present day students are facing the wrath of it all, for no fault of theirs. Many unanswered questions, many allegations and many more misinterpretations. Most of which are untrue and unwarranted.

The school has yet to make a statement to put the facts straight. Failure to do so at the outset has led to many different interested parties exploit the situation to each one's desire. I don't believe this is what Mme. Higgins would have expected of the school authorities if she was alive today.

Would the school continue to keep quiet hoping that time will heal everything? Amidst all this chaos, I sincerely hope that the board of trustees is hatching a robust damage-control plan. I also hope every member of the board (which comprises only males) reflect on their ability to rise to the challenges facing a 'Girls’ school and stay true to the vision of Mme. Higgins.

I believe that this is the moment for the school to do a thorough soul-searching and see how it could bring back the virtues that Mme. Higgins envisioned which undoubtedly can be adapted to the modern day challenges.

More open dialogue, more interaction between the students/teachers/parents/past pupils, appointment of professionals who could act as advisors on matters beyond mere education, a better mix of educationists, intellectuals and a significant female representation on the board of trustees, better in-house medical care and first -aid facilities, professional counseling for both children and teachers on an ongoing basis and better public relations strategies? The list can go on.

There are thousands of past pupils like me, desperate to help restore the virtues of our school. We hope our views and contribution can be harnessed to strengthen the school's standing and rekindle the spirit of Mme. Higgins, which has sustained the school over the past 118 years.

Sandya Salgado (nee Rodrigo), Past Pupil, Musaeus College

 
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