Composite classes

I'm a painful parent. At the end of last year I discovered that a particular teacher was moving from PP to year 1 and I informed the school that under no circumstances was my child to be in her class. I'd rather be known as a painful parent but be acting in what I considered to be the best interests of my child, than a parent who just shuts up to get along.

Having said that, I would give your DD some time to settle in and then see if you need to ask for her to be moved. I would however voice my concerns to both her current teacher as well as the principal or deputy - that way they know what the issues are from the outset (the bullying and lack of placement with at least one friend being a huge one), but you are demonstrating that you are at least willing to go with their judgment at this point. Good luck.

We called the school this morning. But they said that they are overwhelmed with complaints so far, so to email them. We mentioned the bullying, that made them listen. But we have now sent an email, outlining our concerns especially about the bullying.
We know the bullying is back, we know it's started because we have noticed particular behaviour and side effects that were only present when there was bullying occurring.
As far as the composite part we have expressed our concerns that their reasoning behind placing her in that class is perhaps misguided and uninformed. (This comes after talking to her teacher from last year and her comments on the class placement procedure)

It shows that something has gone wrong with their planning if they are overwhelmed with complaints. I am glad they are listening about the bullying. Keep calling and emailing so they take action quickly, your poor dd shouldn't have to be in a class with them.

Oh good luck it all.

I agree that lots of thought goes into class planning, but I doubt that every single decision in a school of hundreds of students is made based in what is best for that particular student. Unfortunately that's the reality of dealing with large numbers of kids. So as parents it's our job to stand up for our kids if there is a problem.

Just an update: this week they split up the k/1 and 1/2 classes. Dd's class became a straight yr1. Only change in students was that more of the group that is known for bullying dd were put in that class!
Before they changed classes I talked to dd's teacher from last year, explained the situation and she agreed that dd's placement was not in her best interests.
Yesterday dd had a major breakdown at me, stating that I had no idea how bad school was for her this year with the kids, that was the first time she verbalised anything serious.
This morning I wrote the school a letter thanking them for looking out for my daughters safety and needs, yes it was full of sarcasm. Today the school had a meeting about dd, with her current teacher, last years teacher and future teacher. They all agreed that dd moving class was in her best interest, so tomorrow she starts in a new class that has two friends and no kids that are known to belong to the other group of kids.
I just wanted to add, that my I initial concerns were about the kids in the class, then I think it being a composite class with dd being in what I believed to be a negative environment with no friends and only kids that put her down.
When the composite class was split, it didn't make me feel any better, sure didn't help that they put more of that group in with her. Dd's behaviour and self esteem has hit rock bottom in this time.
I am now hoping that things will improve, that things can only go up x

Beansbeans just wanted to offer you lots of hugs. It must be very emotional as a mum to see your dd so upset.

I know i was heart broken when dd1 started school and no one wanted to play with her.

I cant imagine how you are feeling.
I hope the move helps with your dd and she starts enjoying school again.

X

Well done to you for looking out for your daughter with such resolve and huge kudos to your DD for being able to open up to you, be honest, and speak to her own needs. That is really, really awesome.

I am so glad they are taking note of this issue now and taking the right steps to resolve it, I hope that moving forward your little girl can really enjoy school and start feeling confident and happy there. xx

I'm glad that your DD was able to open up and voice her feelings, knowing you would hear and act, and that you persisted and were heard. Good job, mumma!

And good on the school for acting promptly, getting the right people together to figure out what would be best for her, and then implementing a plan!

I really hope that this makes a world of difference to your DD - not just because she is away from the bullies / composite class / with her friends, but also because she won't feel helpless - she has seen that raising concerns results in discussion, and - where appropriate - action.

Thank you :)

When school started she made me promise not to make a fuss, but honestly I can say tonight she is more than happy that things have changed. The school let us tell her what was happening, we thought that would be better for her. We haven't explained to her why she has changed classes, as much as these kids have been mean to her, I don't want to label them as something that will hopefully change. Her excitement this afternoon at changing classes, was incredible.

When it came to bullying with dd, she doesnt talk about it. Instead what happens is she gets physically ill (in every way possible), talks negatively about herself and us (her family), she uses words that are never used at home, and she lashes out physically then cries. Last year when this started we didn't understand what was happening to her. It took months to work out what was going on. We had her at the drs, making her have blood tests, allergy tests, we even talked about behavioural issues. In the end, dd mentioned something very small, but it made everything make sense. She didn't see what the kids were doing as wrong, she didn't get that it was not the right behaviour. We went to the teacher and had a meeting and made an action plan. As soon as it was implemented the symptoms that I just mentioned slowly stopped. This year, this started on the first day back at school, we gave it a couple of days before we realised that it wasn't coincidence.
Im now hoping that by this time next week, my normal dd is back to normal.

I hope so too :heartbeat:

I've been reading along, I'm so glad she is Changing classes and the school finally listened. I'm thrilled your DD is happy too :)