I am sad.

That is the best, must succinct description of my being at the moment.  I have heard some very disturbing things over the last few days -- from repeated vandalism in my beloved school, to the termination of the Grad Day tradition.

What is happening to Uxbridge Secondary School?  We pride ourselves heavily on the differences between our small school, and those in the south.  Our discipline is lax, not because of laziness, but because we have the maturity to avoid the temptations of the dark side.  Or do we? We are faced with a "chicken and the egg" situation.  “Since the tightening of the reigns of discipline this September, the students have responded with acts of rebellion,” or, “Since the increase in offences committed against our precious school, it has become necessary to increase disciplinary acts”.

I must admit, I am a subscriber to the former.  Our small town is changing – there will be over 1100 students at USS next year, along with a second vice-principal.  Gone is the tiny school of 900 I entered in grade 9, with gong-shows that extended well into class, and routine, casual announcements before the end of school.  City culture is invading Uxbridge, and with it more serious juvenile crime, and therefore more discipline.  This year, however, there has been a wind of change at USS, with many pre-emptive measures, meant, I’m sure, to curb the shift to a Pine-Ridge-esque environment before it starts.

This is, I believe, a self-fulfilling prophecy.  By forcing students to believe they are not to be trusted, to not allow even a slight interruption of classes, the culture is being transformed.  Students are beginning to take on the rolls they are being assigned – juveniles who are not to be treated as equals.

I fear for you, USS, and I weep for the future.  Good luck in the coming years – you’re going to need it.