Should One Just Pass The Students By?

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misericordie

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I used to teach a a local catholic school grades 1-8, and well that was back in 2004. Now, the pastor wanted to fix the school and make it catholic in all, but he needed to get rid of some waywrd anti catholic teachers to do so. Well the diocese originally wanted to back him but the retracted. The pastor choose to hence resign as pastor and all of us in the parish council did the same in support of the pastor. I was the religion teacher. Now, most students live in my area, and I see them on occasion, and at times I wish I did not because well, they ask question as to what happened at the school and I really don’t want to get into that conversation. Nevertheless, they see me and recognize me, and some even are the first to see me in this neighboorhood and most get very happy and call me out my name. I then feel some christian obligation to say hello, and some have moved on th high school but I still see them around and they are kind of anxious to tell me how good things at high school are going. What should I do in these situations in which we cross paths in the neighborhood?? Should I just ignore the, that would seem against the religion I once taught them. Why are some eager to say hello?
Many blessings and thanks for your hekp.
 
As a teacher, I sympathise. You really should speak to them, especially if they initiate contact. If you don’t, they will probably wonder why you did not. I find the best way to avoid saying too much is to simply avoid the topic altogether. If the student brings it up, let them know that you cannot discuss it and move on to a different topic.
 
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Affirmed:
As a teacher, I sympathise. You really should speak to them, especially if they initiate contact. If you don’t, they will probably wonder why you did not. I find the best way to avoid saying too much is to simply avoid the topic altogether. If the student brings it up, let them know that you cannot discuss it and move on to a different topic.
Okay, thank you.🙂
 
mis,
you have almost 2000 posts to people you dont even know. Now for those kids you do know, I say greet them when you see them.
 
Catholic Dude:
mis,
you have almost 2000 posts to people you dont even know. Now for those kids you do know, I say greet them when you see them.
Yes, thanks.
 
Hi M,

How are things going?

I don’t understand why you would think it would be good to ignore these children.

Is it just because you want to avoid their questions? There is no reason for you to answer ANY question that is asked of you. This may be something beneficial for you to learn. It is difficult, since I know you are a very straight-forward person, but you do not need to lie. Just make light of it, and say you would rather not talk about it.

The first few times, it may be difficult, but it does get easier, and it is very freeing. It is like confronting people—it is best to do it right away, in a soft manner before it gets upsetting and angering.
 
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Mysty101:
Hi M,

How are things going?

I don’t understand why you would think it would be good to ignore these children.

Is it just because you want to avoid their questions? There is no reason for you to answer ANY question that is asked of you. This may be something beneficial for you to learn. It is difficult, since I know you are a very straight-forward person, but you do not need to lie. Just make light of it, and say you would rather not talk about it.

The first few times, it may be difficult, but it does get easier, and it is very freeing. It is like confronting people—it is best to do it right away, in a soft manner before it gets upsetting and angering.
YUP
 
I would say hello but not get into any conversation about school politics because it is really not their business. I understand that it can be difficult to live in the area where you once worked. Saying hello is just the basics though so don’t worry about doing that. How is the job search?
 
Surely this is not the first time in your life you’ve been called upon to exercise discretion in the midst of social conversation?! As a teacher, would you ever have dreamed of discussing a given student’s progress or lack thereof with other children? Same for discussing the reason behind a given colleague’s absence, resignation, firing. What’s the big quandry here?!? Say hello, be friendly, interested and encouraging about your former students’ progress and discreetly but firmly side-step conversations that are inappropriate. Ignoring people is simply ridiculous and likely to be construed as being rude.
 
Island Oak:
Surely this is not the first time in your life you’ve been called upon to exercise discretion in the midst of social conversation?! As a teacher, would you ever have dreamed of discussing a given student’s progress or lack thereof with other children? Same for discussing the reason behind a given colleague’s absence, resignation, firing. What’s the big quandry here?!? Say hello, be friendly, interested and encouraging about your former students’ progress and discreetly but firmly side-step conversations that are inappropriate. Ignoring people is simply ridiculous and likely to be construed as being rude.
Very true, and I agree. With the ones that are now in good catholic schools, I for example would say: “I am sure the standards are much better and it is a much better school”, for which they have usually agreed.
But yes, you are right. For the most part when I do see former students I just say hello, and one or two others who were in honors and very bright and always cared about their school work, kind of expect you to stop, say hello and kind of ask then how their PRESENT studies are going, then I just have said< “well take care, God bless, wish you the best.”
 
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misericordie:
Now, most students live in my area, and I see them on occasion, and at times I wish I did not because well, they ask question as to what happened at the school and I really don’t want to get into that conversation.
If the matter was so serious as to bring about the resignation of the pastor and many others, you owe them a frank account of what happened.
 
vern humphrey:
If the matter was so serious as to bring about the resignation of the pastor and many others, you owe them a frank account of what happened.
Well, when I used to be asked by PARENTS, and they kept pressing this issue: I would tell them that all of this was because the school failed to live by its “catholic” identity, and so did the diocese.
 
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misericordie:
Well, when I used to be asked by PARENTS, and they kept pressing this issue: I would tell them that all of this was because the school failed to live by its “catholic” identity, and so did the diocese.
You should tell the kids when they ask – in terms they can understand, and in as much detail as they ask.

After all failure of the school to live by its Catholic identity impacts on the kids. They NEED to know it.
 
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