Dolores Umbridge

While several of our instructors and, indeed, our Headmistress were summoned away - and of course we thank them for their service to the ideals of our Protectorate - those of us who remained faithfully at home, tending the hearthfires and protecting, guarding, and shaping our children's futures were made aware of a dangerous gap in their education.

In a number of conversations through the past two weeks, it has become obvious to even the dullest mind that many of our students have little idea how the desires of Our Lord are made manifest, or the various roles that the different Ministry departments (and our heroic Council Members, of course) play in supporting the tapestry on which we build our shared vision.

Thanks to the diligent attention of myself, Mr Latimer Caldwell (Division Head for Education), members of his staff, and by the kind permission of Headmistress McGonagall, we are delighted to announce a programme of civic education for our first and second year students.

Parents, do not be concerned that this will overburden your youngsters - this is, in many ways, a replacement for the Muggle Studies classes of previous years. If there is anything I have learned as an educator, it is that our children, who remain our brightest hope for the future, will rise to the occasion when when their native enthusiasm is properly guided into useful service.

To that end, we are rapidly constructing exercises that will encourage them to discuss topics with their peers, with older students, and with their familes, reporting conversations back for discussion in class. Naturally, this will also give them additional practice - and growing expertise - in other core skills, such as clear writing and public speaking, that can only serve them well in their future lives.

Classes will begin next Monday, November 26th. Students will meet house by house for an hour each week, according to the schedules being handed out by your prefects today. We anticipate that most assignments will take two to three hours a week to complete.

Of course, I am only too glad - with my extensive experience in five departments of the Ministry, and of course its entire oversight for a number of years - to be the primary instructor. I do anticipate inviting guest speakers on particular topics, as well, and I do hope those invited will make it a priority to be available. Please do contact me with any little questions or concerns you might have.