week 3: chapters 9-12

[Tracey]

1. What are the reactions to the finding of Irma of the students and staff at Appleyard's College?
2. What does the detective in Melbourne suggest may have happened to the girls and Mrs. Appleyard's reaction?
3. Can you explain Mrs. Appleyard's behaviour towards Sara and Mrs. Valange's?
4. In chapter 10 we are told that since the events of the picnic many lives have been disrupted and it's effect was still 'fanning out in depth and intensity.' Is this normal after such an event? How and why are others touched by this tragedy?
5. Miranda used to say that everything begins and ends at exactly the right time and place. What meaning does this have to the story?
6. Why do the girls become hysterical when Irma returns to say goodbye?
7. Who was the ringleader and did she have some special reason for hating Irma?

[Rosemarie]

The way that Mrs. Appleyard treats poor little Sarah is appalling.