Now, Dean.
Do you remember me telling everybody at assembly on Monday that they were required to wear their tie and blazer in public places and that anyone who broke that rule would be severely punished?”
“No, Father.” He looked at me, looked into my eyes, and placed a hand on my shoulder. “I mean… Yes, Father, I’m sorry Father.”
“Right then. Stand up.”
“Dean – do your parents ever smack you?”
“Sometimes, Father.”
“Have you had the strap before?”
“No, Father.”
“Have you been smacked at this school?”
“Yes, Father.”
As he asked these questions he took the strap from my hands and rotated me 90 degrees so I was looking out a window onto one of the football grounds.