Hi Reader

"Uh-Oh, the Principal wants to see you!"

I was in trouble three times this week.

The 3rd one I might not share at all (too risky?)

But here's number 1:​
I absolutely lost my temper at a boy in my school who simply refuses to cut his hair. What do I do? The Mom is permissive - "He said we should wait until aaaaafter the Matric Dance" she said.

So tell me - hit reply and please tell me - what do I do?

In the meantime, I did a lovely bit of research about how to deal with the Final exam stress - it's actually a 44 page Perplexity Project (which means it is years worth of ebooks waiting to happen) but I will let you download just a few pages worth reading.
Here it is:

Student hindsight mistakes: The 30 errors that students most need to hear before they make them

​Download the pages here​

the Second time I was in trouble this week, was because I was late - I just could not get UP!

Have you also been so tired lately ... or is it just me? ("Old age" setting in at 55 soon).

Was it this way 40 years ago? I don't recall my parents complaining as much ... and they were teachers too.

These tips for tiredness are especially for you if you are a manager of VERY tired Teachers:

Reduce Extra Work

• Cut unnecessary paperwork and extra meetings.
• Stop asking for extra duties after hours.
• Keep email rules simple. Do not expect replies at night or on weekends.

Protect Planning Time

• Give teachers real time during the day to plan lessons.
• Stop using free periods for cover duty.
• Make sure daily schedules have space to breathe.

Offer Flexible Support

• Let staff arrive a bit later or leave early on slow days if work is done.
• Allow work-from-home options for remote planning days.
• Adjust duties when a teacher feels burnt out.

Encourage Wellness

• Provide healthy snacks and good coffee in the staff room.
• Share local mental health resources and counseling options.
• Remind staff to use their sick and personal days.

Build a Kind Culture

• Lead by example and leave work on time yourself.
• Praise hard work often and say thank you.
• Listen to problems without judging.

The 3rd time I was in trouble was because I swore like a sailor (AGAIN) at another learner who was refusing to wear a tie. Again - what do I do? I really need some advice. The parents, when phoned, said they would buy one again next year. NEXT YEAR? Really!

I give up!

But I do have a bonus download for you: Teen Communication Cards​

Please share these resources with friends and colleagues who also had a rough week.

May this one be better for you

Best regards

Lourens Breytenbach