English at Regina Pacis

I read about the organization of English classes at Regina Pacis on Dec. 27, 1996 and I wish to share the plight of parents of students at the school.

I think that the English class, initially an extra-curricular activity and now a compulsory subject, requiring a fee of Rp 30,000 to Rp 57,500 per student is too high. The result is not satisfactory. The subject is taught only twice a week in 40- minute sessions in classes of 45 students.

I would like to know why the foundation in charge of the classes is too slow in responding to various complaints by students' parents. On Jan. 13 the school even threatened students who had not paid the fee for the English class with exclusion from participating in the general examinations.

As a layperson I would like to ask the authorities, especially the Jakarta office of the Ministry of Education and Culture, whether it is proper that an education foundation make such a threat. There is no regulation that kindergarten and elementary school pupils up to grade 3 are obliged to take English classes. I hope that this problem will receive the attention of the authorities so that the children can study in tranquility.

LEE LH

Jakarta