What to do?

[kezabelle]

Have been going mad stressing about this... and I'm sorry it's so long, but I want to get the whole story down.

My DD is starting Year 4 - she is very young for her year but it has only been a problem when we first moved here in Year 2. She has 3 years of reports stating she is performing beyond her stage expectations, is confident and outgoing, very strong in public speaking, etc. So, doing very well.

Year 2 was not a good year. We moved and it was a bad year for her socially. She was in a 2/3 composite classes - which in NSW means it's across stage 1 and 2 - a hassle for the teacher but should be okay. She only had 3 other year 2s in the classroom, befriended year 3s but couldn't play with them as the playgrounds are separate.

So, I put a lot of the problems down to that at the time - it's also the year I had bub and was sick for about 3 months afterwards so I wasn't as focussed on her as I should have been. She was in tears before and after school almost every day, begging ot move back or stay home. So, needless to say, I was in tears too. She went from being a confident, chirpy, bright child to very reserved and tearful and her schooling took an enormous dive. At the time, I seriously considered taking her to see a counsellor as she was so unhappy. But, towards the end of the year, they relaxed the rules of the playground a bit for them and she was happier.

But, that's when I was on top of things again and I noticed what I was very unhappy about. I had been to see the teacher on numerous occasions regarding the social and the learning concerns - but very little was done. I was unhappy with the school in general, but I discovered I had serious issues with the teacher and her teaching methods. I won't go in to it, but they were genuine concerns and justified I believe. She basically lost year 2.

The following year (3) the principal changed and the school seemed so much happier and the teachers were a lot more positive. DD had a wonderful teacher who brought out the best in her and she is back to her old self. My problem is that the old principal has returned :headh: and the school is already in disarray. The kids are still in their classes from last year and won't be in new ones till at least next week. In the meantime, they've spent today colouring in, playing games and learning their house song! :blink: They're doing the same tomorrow, the swimming carnival is tomorrow night and they have friday off. I'm a firm believer in starting the year as you mean to continue.

On top of that, her Year 2 teacher is taking the straight year 4 class! :headh: Last year, I heard only good things about this teacher BTW. So, do I put my foot down and insist she is put in the 4/5 class - she's young and it's across stages again. Or do I bite my tongue and see what happens? I don't know if you'll be able to offer any particular advice, but what do you think you'd do? Take the risk of the older, combined class, or give the teacher another chance?

[Heather]

You make an appointment with the Teacher you trust and the School Principal ASAP and discuss the case exactly (no need to be polite) as you have to us.....I would say that Monday will be the earliest opportunity....plenty of time given that classes seem to be in limbo at the present.

[Naomi]

Is the change of principal a last-minute thing, is that why there is disarray at the moment? Or is it that they just haven't bothered to organise anything for this week because it's a short week? If the principal has had time to make necessary arrangements and the lack of doing anything is deliberate, I'd be a bit (a lot) appalled as a parent. I do believe a principal can make or break a school.

I guess I'd probably leave it a couple of weeks, see how things look when they decide to start the school year properly, see how your daughter copes with this teacher (and hopefully, since she's doing so well now you won't need to approach the teacher for help, since she didn't seem great shakes last time). I think it's best to leave them in an environment they are comfortable in, and your girl sounds like she's thriving at the moment.

Are there alternative schools in your area that you'd consider if things don't work out at this school?

Good luck :)

[lucyloo]

I have sat back and let things ride too many times Kezabelle. Believe me, if that is what you firmly believe, make an appointment with the school/teacher/principal and sort it out. At my childrens primary school, classes are always sorted out at the end of the year. My son's first day- put straihght into his new class and started work- which is how it should be!!

[kezabelle]

Thanks girls - especially for taking the time to read the rambling! :D

I've gone over this thing a million times. The principal returning was last minute because the other guy was appointed elsewhere. It's an interim measure (he was on long service leave until retirement) to cause minimal disruption until a new principal is appointed - may not be until next year!

The lack of class organisation is due to school numbers, and I understand that - it's the attitude. There was no note sent home explaining this, and if I hadn't been there this morning, I'd be confused and annoyed. It's also the attitude that we'll just muddle on for the next week or so til we get started - not a great motviation for the new year. The school feels worn out already, and the year has only just begun.

As for my daughter, I haev thought and thought and finally wrote a list in my head of all the things I'm unhappy with. A few examples are lack of structure; meaningless homework that is not marked or returned; teacher taking and making phone calsl in class time; teacher using class time to search for real estate on the Internet; far too many sheets with little cohesion; no clear units of work; a good hour a day of silent reading (kids are not to talk or interrupt teacher during this time as that is her time to get organised); the same 'her time' rule applies during talking and listening, etc; a very large 'naughty board' at the front of the class (so very, very agianst this!); and the list goes on. I had several meetings with her during that year to discuss the fact that my daughter was falling behind, etc and stated exactly what I wanted to see happen - none of it ever did. And I wasn't unreasonable - please listen to her read and tell me what you think is reasonable. :)

So, I have realised that I'm being a wuss and not wanting to cause problems and have her 'picked on'. So, I am going to organise to see the principal, have these points on paper with a copy for him. As I believe my concerns are reasonable, I would expect him to address these problems with the teacher. I will expalin that I would prefer my child to have a different teacher. He can then either choose to agree, or not. If he doesn't, I have at least made a start and as the year continues, if these or other concerns arise, at least I know I have mmade my concerns clear and can then push for another solution.

The last resort would be to change their school - there are several to choose from, so it is an option. Thanks again for listening and offering advice - very much appreciated! :D

[Mad Old Cow]

Kezz you need to do what you think is the best for you & your child, don't ever sit back to frightened to speak up i still go to the school for my Gkids ( Joshy & Sammy ) i think the teachers know me much better than their parents, just remember we are their carers & so we have the right to have our say & insist on what is right. good luck Kezz

[LisaHarman]

Keza we had exactly the same issues with our 8 year old daughter and I was not impressed with her teacher at all. We had concerns through the year and every time we talked to her teacher about it she always told us Cassandra was at the top of the class and doing really well. When we got the report she failed almost everything. Boy were we angry, the whole year the teacher was lying to us to avoid conflict with us. I never had a good thing to say about her and ended up putting a massive complaint into the education board about her and her teaching methods.

When Cassandra entered year 3 we were ever so worried and knew that there would be alot of work to get her to scratch and it wasnt working so we moved schools. that was the best choice we made. She excelled and got the attention she needed and is now on track with everything.

It helped with Joshua aswell. In year one he was basically colouring and drawing all day and playing with blocks and we felt this was not appropriate. At the new school he excelled in everything and really pushed himself to learn and do everything and now he is reading at a year 5 level. Better than Cassandra reads and he helps her.

Basically very long story short. You continue to do what you think is right for your child and if no one wants to listen keep pushing it until someone does. Your childs education is very important and if no one else wants to worry about it then changes have to be made.

Good luck with the interview with the Principle. Let us know how you get on with it all.

[Naomi]

teacher taking and making phone calsl in class time; teacher using class time to search for real estate on the Internet;

I'd be tempted to make a complaint to the Education Department about that if the Principal doesn't do something. That's not on during class time!

And
a good hour a day of silent reading (kids are not to talk or interrupt teacher during this time as that is her time to get organised);
Hello? Isn't she meant to have lesson plans and be organised before the bell rings in the morning??

A few examples are lack of structure; meaningless homework that is not marked or returned; far too many sheets with little cohesion; no clear units of work; a very large 'naughty board' at the front of the class (so very, very agianst this!); and the list goes on.
And I'd definitely want to Principal to address this as well. I think that attitude to teaching is bad enough for a second grade class, but really not on for 4th graders.

[La Toriana]

I agree with heather ann

I would be making an appt at the arliest possible time, and ensuring ALL your concerns are voiced., even the ones you think you shouldnt!!!

I am a firm believer in gut instincts and wish at times earky on I had acted on them, as in th end they rang true!

go on...

,, what do you have to lose? but oh so much to gain!

elizabeth

[kimba]

Kez you are a teacher so therefore u should be quite capable of approaching the principal and voicing your cocern"teacher to teacher" so to speak:yes:
Also one thing-why do u keep saying she is young for her year?

[Heather]

Good Mummy.

[kezabelle]

Because she is :) And I think the other part is half the problem - I know the other side of the coin and I also know kids are labelled by teachers - as much as they don't admit it - and can be a target.

[kimba]

Because she is :) And I think the other part is half the problem - I know the other side of the coin and I also know kids are labelled by teachers - as much as they don't admit it - and can be a target.

That doesnt answer it. Her age is the normasl age for kids in her year(down here anyway).So are u saying she is young as in maturity???

[kezabelle]

No honey, but given the recommendation for yeasr has been to wait until your child is at least 5, and even 6 in some cases, she is young as she was 4 3/4 when she started - as is your DD. My concerns with a 4/5 class is that it is across stages and that there will be kids in the class who will be more than 2 years older than her. Obviously, I know she will cope with this, but that doesn't mean it is necessarily the best thing for her. It would depend on the split - ie, how many year 4s versus year 5s. I don't want to put my foot down and have her in the 4/5 class, only to find that it is detrimental to her learning after all. One of teh problems with the 2/3 class was that the year 2 curriculum was ignored and they were taught the year 3 curriculum - she's bright, but not bright enough to skip a year completely! :) I don't know much about the years 4 and 5 curriculum, and given NSW likes to kill rainforests to cover the entire thing, I don't see myself reading up on it :) Oh, and they also start sex ed in year 5 (and so will also do if she's in that class - part of the agreement) - don't forget she's still 8 - do I want her learning it a year earlier? I think she'll handle it fine, but I don't actually want to force her to grow up faster than she needs to - you're a kid for such a short time!

So, my dilemma has been which of the scenarios is the lesser evil.

[miss kiki]

you definitely need to talk to the principal. i can't believe her teacher! if a teacher here did such a thing and word got out, that's it-she or he would be fired on the spot! after all, we're the ones that are paying the teachers with our taxes, so they better be doing their job! :) we have great teachers here in town and i'm grateful for that. like you said, if they don't change anything to help you, maybe try something else out or you always have that option to go to a different school. and who knows, your daughter might just do tons better at a different one!

[kezabelle]

It's almost impossible to fire a tecaher here Kiki (or any other governemnt employee) :) Will make an appointment today! Fingers crossed it all works out for the best...

[miss kiki]

oh wow..ok. why is that? there's not enough teachers there so they don't fire the bad ones and hire good teachers?! let us know how it goes!