1 post tagged “luton”

I found out today that my old junior school headteacher has died. The wonders of facebook meant that I could see that he passed away at 85 just a few days ago, something that I wouldn't have otherwise known.

Mr Herbert, obviously known as Mr Sherbert and not so obviously known as Hedgehog, was the kind of headteacher every school should have. The school was warm and we were all encouraged to be polite to each other and to visitors and although I attribute some of the good manners I have to a good start at home, I firmly believe that the reinforcement of those values at school was what really imprinted on me.

Visiting the school after I had left, I was made well aware that the same system was in place with doors being held open for me and the pupils walking with order towards their destinations. It was like coming home.

I passed on those values of being well mannered and helpful towards others to my children and have often had comments from people about how polite they are, which is a terribly sad state of affairs. Being polite shouldn't stand out. It's increasingly obvious that not everyone had a Mr Herbert showing them the way.