Writing a cover letter to the new school

Well hopefully anyway..

I want DD to change schools, the current one just doesn't seem to engage her at all, it seems heavily geared towards VCAL which is fine for some kids, I want her in a more academic environment.

Now to get her into the new school which is out of the Zone, always had a good rep, seems to do lots of stuff in the community etc etc, I have to send in her school report (which is all good, cept for lack of h'work) and a cover letter stating the reason why she wants to move.

I don't know what to put in the letter cos I'm worried I'll come across like a stage mother - what do you think they will want to see/read. She doesn't have any behaviour issues (cept the FAT attitude) and her scores are good, she needs to be extended a little.
What would you write? This is very important to me (yes me) she will be taking on VCE this year.

HALP!

Find out a bit more about the school - what their philosophies are, what their strengths are etc and use that as a guide. Like some schools will advertise the fact that they have smaller class sizes, so if thats the case then you could comment on that (something like how she always does better in a smaller group) and write about how you feel that this new school will fulfil your expectation of an excellent education for her. I guess you could write about how important it is that she is in an engaging learning environment with a strong focus on academic excelence.

I dont know.. sounds like they want you to write a resume type thing.

Yeah it does a bit! Thats good advice - I'm going straight to the website now.

Hun, how does your DD feel about it? If she wants to move too, then perhaps you can ask her to explain it and put that in the letter. I think it would carry a lot of weight coming from her. You can also put some words around it too, things like her not being motivated or challenged etc.

I am sure you will do a great job. You are a very talented letter writer.

Whenever we have had kids apply to schools out of their zones area the reasons need to be fairly strong so target something in the curriculum that the school she is currently going to doesn't offer. For eg... if they offer Cantonese then state that she wants to continue with that and xyz doesn't offer it, or if they have a great music program. Just re-read your OP and saw that its VCE so definitely detail something about certain subjects she wants to take that the new school specialise in - even if she changes her mind later on when she gets in ;) Teenagers do that! Good luck lovely!

As Karina said you need to focus on what they can provide that your current school can't. If she is good at some sports which they are big on put that, if they offer a language she wants to do etc.
Another thing they look at it ease of getting to the new school, transport availabilty etc. Also how will it fit her social needs better?
What can she bring to the school? Has she been chosen for debating teams? sports teams? any awards?
I will chat to some high school teacher friends and see what they advise since I am only coming from a primary perspective.

Firstly, make sure you get the outside area request form/procedure from the school (usually the admin office can give you/fax you a copy).

Secondly, I can only go by what our school has done in the past.

Karina is correct, we were looking for a resume recommending your child be added to the school population. Things that were looked on favourably:

- High academic performance
- Leadership skills
- Sporting ability
- Any compassionate reasons (eg other siblings attending the same school, safety etc)
- Outside interests eg swimming, dancing etc
- letters from Principals and other teachers recommending the child to the school
- letters from outside interests eg coaches, dance instructors.

I know that this sounds a lot but if the school has limited numbers you are competing to get into the school.

Thank you so much for you advice, which I took on board and she was called in for an interview!!!

It looks like she will be starting there next year and OMG this place has sooooo many more subject choices for VCE, DD is getting all inspired and I feel sooo much better! YAY!!!

Thanks again xoxoxoxoxoxo

Thats great to hear she has been invited for an interview! Good luck!

How did the interview go?

Good, she got in - has just finished exams and I wish I sent her there from the beginning. MUCH better school.

ohhh what school lucy??

Vermont High - this is the big DD.

Have heard that it has a good name but not as good as the one we sent DD's too....:nahnah:
Start looking at the uniforms now as some are harder to get as they get older.
Do they have a special VCE jumper, if so, ask when they are going to be ordered.
Get her book list asap as the 2nd hands should be available soon and VCE books can be dear, depends on what subjects she is doing.
All the best as you both adjust and go on a new adventure...bus tickets, transport, etc :)