violence at CedarBridge Academy on its second day of teaching. However, we urge the public to keep an open mind, not to be unduly alarmed and to help CedarBridge rather than criticise or move away from supporting the new secondary school.

The young people who have behaved badly have just arrived at the school. They went there with already learned bad behaviour. It has to be remembered that some of the students are being given a second chance by being included in the student body at the new school. That is one of the principal reasons we have created CedarBridge, to help those who were perceived as "falling through the cracks''. Behaviour and approach to learning will not be modified overnight although we do agree that a few, and we think there are only a few, must not be allowed to behave in a way which hampers the learning experience of the majority. We hope that the school authorities will be firm but understanding with the students involved in Tuesday's incidents so that they have a second chance to take advantage of what CedarBridge provides. We built the school to help them, now we should let them have a chance to take that help. Otherwise, why did we create CedarBridge? It is important to remember at this very early stage that the students have not yet used the helping and counselling services available at CedarBridge.

The new school has extensive staffing and extensive facilities to help problem students but it will take time for that to make an impact. The staff is enthusiastic and keen to make CedarBridge a success. That and a strong experienced headmaster counts for a great deal.

We also have to remember that while there were a number of incidents, only one was at CedarBridge itself and that seems to have been dealt with quickly. It is much too early to expect the school to have developed the pride in the school and the school's uniform which should go a long way toward mitigating bad behaviour on the way to or from school.

We were happy to see that immediately there was a problem there was an approach by the school to the parents. We think that is vital and that parents must be asked to play their part in any disciplinary problems at the school.

Many of these problems begin in the home and have gone uncorrected and it is wrong to expect this new school to provide quick solutions. Behaviour modification takes time.

It is vital to the future of Bermuda for CedarBridge to succeed. If it does not do so, the problem students will inevitably become a greater problem as adults. No-one in Bermuda wants that.

This newspaper was strong in its opposition to the concept of CedarBridge but, at the risk of being thought hypocritical, we must be realistic and accept that the school is a fact. We hope that the public, no matter how many doubts and questions there may be, will join us in that acceptance. As a Country we must help this school to succeed because its success is vital to the future of Bermuda.