High school bullying

Last May, I was in Manila when Jas relayed to me the news that Jan got beaten up by a schoolmate's (AF) gang while she were in a nearby grocery with a friend. They teased her of being a lesbian and Jan snapped back by calling AF a fat ass.

AF started threatening that prompted Jan to report to school authorities. They were talked to by the assistant principal and its seems all is ok after. Then Jan with her friend went to a nearby grocery and as they got outside, AF was with her friends (around 10 to 11 persons and some are adults already). They beat her up (and her friend). Jan passed out and the last she recalled was being kicked repeatedly on the head.

As a parent, I was freaked out upon hearing the news and all I could think of was have her sent home to Manila. My husband then told me that the student was already expelled and a case will be filed by the police. They are expecting a call soon. At least, that is what he was told.

I insisted for Jan to be properly diagnosed as her eyes got really hurt. Glad that there were no permanent damage physically to her although emotionally, it is a different story. Although I'm fortunate to have a daughter who handles herself pretty well.

Around July, Jan told me the news that Afr will be returning back to school and it seems the case that was promised to be filed did not happen after all. We decided to transfer her from Findon High School to another school.

As I just got back for a short visit, this is one concern that I wanted to be clarified on and will be meeting the school authorities soon. I will also want to meet the student and her parents or guardian as this is one matter that I don't think can just be forgotten without anyone being responsible or neither ask for an apology for what they have done.

We'll see...

Getting the kids settled in Adelaide

Last Saturday, the family arrived in Adelaide with all excitement especially upon seeing our home. The first order of business is to get the kids to school at Seaton Park Primary School and Findon High School. They youngest already started last Tuesday while the 3 in high school will start tomorrow.

From a foreigner's perspective, here are some observations:

• The school personnel are very friendly.
  
• It is a weird feeling when no one asks you to pay a fee upfront.
• Great to have your kids enter school even if it is already in the middle of the year.
• There are hardly any basketball court and they now have to catch up learning soccer.
• It is different when you don't have helpers at home as you are struggling to have enough time to do some serious blogging work.

I'm gradually picking up on sites to include in Ratified Australia and some I have made a blog post in relation to it. This includes:

• Phone call works best in response to "When to use e-mail and when not to".
• Lessons learned in launching and operating a membership-only site inspired by Yaro Starak's article series on membership-only site build-up.

I haven't really shared that much personal stuff in my blogs before. However, after getting to read through Karen Cheng's blog, I think I can also do it.