1 January 1953
I don’t normally believe in New Year’s resolutions, but this year I am so bloody determined to raise standards at this school, however much physical pain it causes some boys, that I have made THREE resolutions which I intend to keep scrupulously:
1. There will be no second chances. As soon as I have warned a boy about his behaviour once, that’s it. Any repetition of the behaviour that has got him into trouble and he can expect six of the best with the cane, pants down, no ifs, no buts.
2. I must use my hairbrush more. For some offences, the cane or strap is NOT necessarily the best remedy. Some boys respond better to an old-fashioned, no-holds-barred, over-the-knee spanking with a wooden hairbrush – with no limit on the number of strokes. You just spank them till they are begging for mercy, basically.
3. I must be prepared to punish my secretary Celia WITHOUT MERCY until she gets the message. It is vital she remembers who is boss.