The girls informed us that a new boy from the UK had just joined their school, and was placed in their class.
I took the opportunity to try to explain that starting a new school is very difficult, and much more so in a strange country where he didn't know what anyone was saying. He would be quite scared, and lonely.
I further requested that it was up to children like them, who speak both English and Turkish, to look after him, make him feel that he had friends, and help if he needed someone to explain anything to the teacher.
Thursday is late homework day - they stay after school and do their homework together. Rather pleasantly, parents take it in turns to bring snacks and drinks to refresh the class during this long day. Last Thursday was our turn, and we arrived in the classroom with tasty treats.
When the girls eventually got home, they couldn't wait to tell us that the new boy had told them that their mum and dad were "a little bit ugly".
Naturally I have told them to batter him with a ruler whenever the teacher's back is turned.
