Pitlochry Senior Primary School

This school, by no measure offers an exceptional education and the poor leadership during the Covid pandemic speaks volumes about the capacity of the educators at this school. There was very little communication and the students were able to continue their education largely due to the efforts from parents to make sure their children had cell phones, computers and internet access.
My daughter only attended school to write exams this week and because they are dismissed promptly after the completion of the exam, I allowed her to take her cell phone to school in case there was an emergency and I could notify her if I made alternate arrangements for her pick up. A teacher however confiscated her phone while she was texting me that she is ready to go home (after the exam, after being dismissed). I was never notified by the school of this. The principal had then decided that due to the no cell phone rule (nowhere in the school protocol does it state that the principal can confiscate the cell phone for extended periods of time), he will keep the cell phone, even refused to return it to me upon my request. Even after I explained that my daughter is alone during the day, I work full time and the cell phone is how we keep in contact. The principal then continued to insult and berate me as a parent because he doesn't believe that children should have cell phones. I can do nothing about the way the principal has treated me, I have no recourse to get my property returned, it's his to keep until he decides to return it to me and the school governing body has encouraged me to accept the situation but will discuss my complaint at the next SGB meeting. It is my opinion that the teacher and principal abused their position of authority in this situation, the teacher, accused my daughter of playing with the phone, even though there was no evidence of this. With this, teaching my child that her truth is of no significance. This has definitely been an eye opening experience of how school staff can manipulate the rules to benefit themselves.

I would like to commend the pitlochry educators whom are conducting the online classes for our grade 4 children. Their dedication and commitment does not go unnoticed. I admire them for displaying such greatness especially during this trying time. I am extremely happy with these teachers and wish them all the success in future endeavors. Thank u for all your hard work. S Ethwar