When I wrote my letter in support of the frustrated parent who complained about the excessive and interminable amount of homework that was given to his daughter for the Christmas holiday period, I had no intention of entering into a polemic with anyone. My argument was simple to understand. Yes, homework should be given but teachers should see that the amount is “reasonable”. That’s all!

I understood Giov. DeMartino’s reply (TMID, 7 January) and many of the points he raised. I know that many parents judge the teacher’s ability by the amount of homework given. But this is totally wrong and if it is not understood by the parents themselves, then unfortunately the teacher has to educate, not only the students, but also the parents.

As Mr DeMartino said, “he very great majority of parents prefer that teacher who gives ‘a reasonable’ amount of homework”. This is the whole argument! Parents should be all out for homework – but it has to be ‘reasonable’. This is what the parent justly complained about. And that is why I supported him.

As everything else in life, everything should be taken (and given) in small doses – even homework!

Henry Calleja

St Julian’s