So many more are on time • The German principal: is about those who are always late
Since last summer, students at the Dürer Grammar School in Nuremberg, Germany, have been fined five euros if they are repeatedly late or truant.
The rules only apply to students in grades nine to eleven because the problems are greatest there. Some of the students have been late up to 20 times in the space of three months, according to the TV channel RTL.
– It’s not about those who overslept once, but about those who are constantly late. We had discussions with the class teachers, with the school’s social worker, with the parents. Sometimes a reprimand followed, but if that didn’t help, the fine was the last resort, the school’s principal told RTL.
The reactions: “Very good”
Stefan Düll is chairman of the German teachers’ union and he thinks the fine is a reasonable measure, if the student misses a lot of class time.
– Parents are also obliged to ensure that their children complete their school duties and arrive on time for class.
He hopes that the students who receive a fine are forced to pay it themselves.
– I hope that parents then say: You pay with your pocket money.
Although the new fine rule has been met with both praise and rice, many residents of Nuremberg think it is good.
– I actually think the measure is very good. Because there are children who, because of their home situation, do not learn to be on time, says a woman that RTL spoke to.
She is supported by another local resident.
– I don’t think it’s a bad idea. Five euros is not, I think, an amount that will ruin you. So I think it’s okay. The students should just arrive on time, just get up earlier, says the man.
More students arrive on time
And the new fines have had a deterrent effect. From the beginning, the school management had a list of 30 students who were often late. Now the number has dropped to ten, even though the school only had to fine latecomers on a few occasions.
Still, there are those who are grateful that the rule was introduced now, and not earlier.
– I was often late myself, I must say. And I think if there had been then I would have had to pay a lot. So it’s good that it’s only now, when I no longer go to school, says one woman to RTL.