thread: Involving your child in the decision to change schools

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    May 2007
    3,341

    Involving your child in the decision to change schools

    well most of you may have read my last thread with the issues i have been having with DD's school.
    it is 2 days since it all came to a head and i took it to the principle, DD has since only been playing with children in her grade.
    She has still been having some bullying issues with the other kids (but i guess that would happen everywhere).

    Tomorrow we have our interview to start DD in term 2 (kindy) at a private school (catholic).
    I mentioned it to DD today and she told me she wants to stay in her current teachers class.

    to what point do you do what feels like the right thing in your mind, even though DD is quite happy were she is?

  2. #2
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Feb 2006
    melbourne
    11,462

    Bullying should just be happening though darl, anywhere at any school at any time! Especially not consistently in prep

  3. #3
    Registered User

    May 2007
    3,341

    Her teacher told DD was taken to the office today for ice as a boy kicked her in the shins.
    I asked DD in front of the teacher - " did you kick him back" and she said no and i praised her and the teacher said about the boy "he does that though"

    i think it is funny that she is accused for biting an 11 year old and it involved a number of counselling with the principle... even when she told him she didnt do it and this happens to her and it is "he does that though..."

    mmmm

    but DD says she doesnt want to leave .....ahhh so hard

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Add No.5 on Facebook

    Jan 2007
    Brisbane
    2,391

    Involving your child in the decision to change schools

    Makes it hard. Is it because that's all she knows? Can she maybe get to sit in the new class for an hour or so and see if she likes it...

    Double standards are ridiculous. Just because 'he does that' doesn't mean they should be allowing him to! Especially when other children are in trouble for something they didn't even do!!

  5. #5
    Registered User

    May 2008
    where the V8's roar
    1,855

    I think sometimes we have to make decisions our children aten't always going to like but in the long run is what is best for them. My concern is that if the current teacher and school aren't taking you seriously now then they probably never will.
    In years to come your DD probably won't remember much about this school if you do decide to switch schools.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jan 2010
    1,975

    IMO, your DD is too young to grasp the implications of the decision to change schools. For her, it will be about going somewhere different each day and getting to know a new group of kids. For you, the issues are far more complicated and the considerations are far more long term. I think that this is a decision for you and your DH to make and if you decide to move your DD then you tell her in the most positive way. If she is upset by your decision, I would simply tell her that 'mummy and daddy have made this decision because we think it is what's best for you', and then I would talk about all the positive aspects of her new school.

    I know other's will disagree, but I think that not-quite-5 is not old enough to have much input into this decision making process.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    melb
    8,498

    I think that it is disgusting the double standards and I would be changing her school. A 5 year old knows no difference she has only been at that school and wont be aware that things can be nicer and better somewhere else. I think that for her own good and self esteem you might just have to change her school even thought she is not keen.

    Hugs xoox

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Jun 2005
    USA
    3,991

    I would make the decision without her input too. If you think the other school is better then I would move her and present it in a positive way, but in a way that suggests that there isn't even a choice.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    8,369

    It's nice you've asked her input, but move her anyway.

    FWIW, we moved DS from a lovely school to a slightly rougher one when we moved house. I really didn't like my 5yo saying "oh my god, that's so cool" or hitting. I mean, yes, he sometimes hits, it's rare but it has been known to happen, but not vindictivly. Until now (has now stopped). It took him a little while to get settled and, despite being bullied, didn't want to go. He had just made a friend.

    So we had a week of him being upset and unsettled when we did move schools (a place was suddenly made available locally). He is now happy in his new school, settling in and enjoying it a lot more without 5yo bullies. The thing that made DS feel better about moving is that he made friends with a little boy also at the school, the year above him, and I told DS they could see each other at playtime. But I don't know what I'd have done without his friend already being there! Can you take your DD to the Catholic Church, if they have a Sunday School, so she can meet potential classmates and have a friend before she starts?

  10. #10
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    May 2005
    in the national capital
    1,682

    Involving your child in the decision to change schools

    If she can start next term is there anything to stop you having her at home till the end of this term (given that it us only a couple of weeks)

  11. #11
    Registered User

    May 2007
    3,341

    there is actually only 4 days left of this term .
    so what i am going to do it take her in for 4 half days this week to the new school
    and start her full time next term i think

  12. #12
    Registered User
    Add Purple Penguin on Facebook

    Apr 2009
    Eastern Melbourne, Vic
    1,105

    Glad it went well! I hope you're both much happier at the new school.

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Jan 2007
    7,197

    That is awesome babe and half days sound like a great way to ease her in! It sounds like what school SHOULD be everywhere!!

  14. #14
    Registered User

    May 2008
    where the V8's roar
    1,855

    the new school sounds wonderful

  15. #15
    Registered User

    May 2007
    3,341

    i know doesnt it! its a shame there isnt more of a holistic view of education in evey school

  16. #16
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Melbourne
    1,798

    What a great outcome! The new school sounds great

  17. #17
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    Home, where else??
    1,177

    It sounds like my DS's school (also Catholic).

    I am so glad that you were able to get a place. That is great news.

    I would still report the other school though. You might be able to stop another child from having a horrible experience like your DD.

  18. #18
    Registered User

    Jun 2005
    USA
    3,991

    I am so happy to hear this! You're a wonderful mum- you jumped on this and came up with a speedy resolution

    Let's hope that nasty teacher will be a distant memory soon and she thrives in a wonderful environment.

    I think you should tell the old school why you are leaving too, and cc the education department. It's so sad that there are other wee young children still there being bullied by this teacher and not advocated for by the principal.