We don't have air conditioning at home and I agree kids need to toughen up. I never had it when i was a kid and it was horrible... especially as i went to school in hot places like Kalgoorlie!!!

Because we dont have it at home i feel that my kids benefit from having it at school. I know my daughter can't wait to get to school (a private one) in summer because it has a/c. My son however really feels the heat and doesn't have it at his local public school. I really notice the difference in their moods at the end of each day in summer. This has kind of swayed me to go private too with my son when we move interstate. Melbourne is getting hotter with several 40 degree days now each summer and then have never sent them home... so public schools really need to consider getting a/c in the rooms... adults in their offices wouldn't put up with it so why force it on kids? Makes me cross when that's the prevailing attitude. My daughter's school isn't creating "soft" individuals either... they expect resilience in many other ways... but when you pay so much for them to learn well, you can't expect a child to learn if they are uncomfortable. The girls are expected to cope with the elements in many other scenarios... just not in the class room.

ETA: I also don't drive... so my kids don't get a reprieve in an a/c car... they often arrive hot to school in the mornings after walking to school... it would be better if at least they had a/c at school. If i drove an a/c car and had it at home maybe it wouldn't be so important ?