parents and principals as partners in creating a culture of learning

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2.3
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Alcohol and drug abuse is common among pupils.
Cheating is a general practice during school tests and exams.
Irregular attendance and truancy is rife among most pupils.
FACTORS CONCERNING THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
In the year 150 BC a philosopher, Kwantzu, said the following (Van Wyk,
1994:22): "When planning for a year, sow corn; when planning for a decade,
plant a tree, but when planning for life, train and educate people". It is true
that very few occupations have such a lasting effect on the lives of others. The
question teachers and principals need to answer is whether they are going about
it in the best and most effective way (Van Wyk, 1996:6-22). The school has a
special role to play in this country. In spite of this vital role, some teachers and
principals contribute to the collapse in the culture of learning (Wolpe, 1995:6).
According to De Koning (1994:9); Van Wyk (1996:40-41); Wolpe (1995:6); Smith
(1996:8-10); De Villiers (1997:76-81) and Calitz (1998: 14) the following are the
factors concerning the school environment that have led to the erosion in the
culture of learning:
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Lack of authority, discipline and respect among teachers cause a severe
barrier to an effective culture of teaching and learning.
Order and discipline have been undermined by:
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over-actualising freedom and rights and an understatement of
responsibilities and obligations;
marginalisation of the authority of the principal;