Argyle Secondary
Every child arrives at school bearing a unique story. Some are learning a new language, others grappling with classroom expectations, many navigating hidden challenges, and some simply eager to belong. Collective punishment fractures solidarity and punishes the innocent, stripping away privileges they have earned. Children deserve the dignity of individualised support and compassion.
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To: Principal Laura Ames <argyle@sd44.ca>
Subject: End Collective Punishment at Argyle Secondary
Dear Laura Ames,
I’m writing as a parent who believes that how we discipline children reveals what we truly value.
At Argyle Secondary, as in all public schools, every child arrives with a story—some visible, some buried under silence. They deserve to be seen as individuals. When collective punishment is used—when an entire class is made to carry the consequences for a few—it does more than misplace blame. It teaches students that justice can be arbitrary. That silence is safer than difference. That harm, when distributed broadly enough, becomes acceptable.
I reject that logic.
Collective punishment is not restorative. It’s not inclusive. It does not model accountability. It normalises power that is unaccountable, and that is something no school should ever teach.
I know that classroom management is difficult. I know teachers are overburdened. But no difficulty justifies methods that erode trust, flatten nuance, and harm the children we most need to protect. We cannot teach equity through punishment that disregards the individual.
I am asking you to reflect deeply and transparently on this practice. Not just whether it occurs at Argyle Secondary, but whether it aligns with the vision of education you are working to build.
Because our children are watching. And they are learning not only from what we say, but from how we treat them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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