Dickens style boarding schools in Australia

Jane rang today upset because her boarding school had decided that her punishment for not attending dinner time - was that she could not have dinner. (She has told us in the past of similar punishments - I confess I simply didnt believe her. Who the fook doesnt feed kids now days as a punishment? That went out with the dark ages? Or not)

I spoke to her immediate supervisor who defended the decision that because Jane was eight minutes late no dinner - but common room food that was available (toast, cereal and fruit) was acceptable.

I said I didnt think it a suitable punishment. I suggested there would be other more suitable punishments. Jane doesnt eat cereal, only eats fruit if you sneak it into something and.. has never been fond of toast. Supervisor referred me to the boarding boss. I rang, and got the answering machine. An hour or more later (our dinner time.. boarding school dinner time must be like 5.30 pm)

I went to bed hungry only once in my life. It was my stepfathers form of punishment. And it was horrid. I would wish it on no one.

Boarding boss confirmed.. decision stood.. it was acceptable punishment. Jane was late to dinner therefore she gets none. She can eat toast and fruit. In the common room. Of course if there is any left.

I said I completely disagreed with that punishment and was sure another more appropriate one could be used. She said ... then you speak to the school principal Monday. I said I will. I also suggested that I dont think the Department of Community Services etc would advocate not feeding children dinner as a punishment. She said toast and cereal were perfectly appropriate food.

Remember - boarding schools promise to educate our children for the future. In future I do not want my daughters eating toast for dinner.

I got very angry. I want claps for not swearing. May the horrible cow eat toast and cereal for dinner for the rest of her life. Or at least the week.

Jane wasnt aware I was on the phone trying to defend her. Jane took matters into her own hands. And pissed off and walked into town to buy her own dinner.

While I cooked our dinner... Jane's father rang Anna (older sister) to tell her he was cranky with Jane and wanted her to come home to me... but wasnt game to talk to me now. Good move. Hot pokers and nasty thoughts definately come to my mind.

Jane then rang me... she has been told by cow superviser that she is to be given her "exit course" from said school.

ehh - Jane should of been on time for dinner. She should be punished for not being on time - I can agree with that. But toast? and fucking Milo? Apples and cereal? With no milk? Why cant she just help cook for a week? Peel some potatoes? Do an extra round of housekeeping? The old emu duty... pick up papers on the oval? Hell make her write lines.. she has beautiful handwriting.

Would YOU starve a kid as a punishment? Have you ever tried to sleep hungry?

Jane is no angel. Apparantly she was upset another girl was threatening her and thats why she was late to dinner. Jane claims the cook was still in residence when Jane was sent away. I dont think parents should have to fret that our kids are being taught toast is ok for dinner.....when we pay them to educate the kids.

And wow.. I am really drunk and cranky about this.