So by not having 'met' the teacher you forfeit any right to feel like you should be informed by the school when you need to be?

If the OP hadn't mentioned this was the first time had met the teacher would peoples reactions be different? How many times do you need to meet the teacher or 'check in' so you can complain about the lack of communication from the school?
I think at least once is a good start.

If the OP had said, 'I have spoken to the child's teacher previously and this has not come up', that would be different. I think the school should have contacted the OP when issues arose, yes. But you can't complain about a lack of communication when you aren't communicating yourself. And, ultimately, if a parent isn't going to be proactive about the welfare of a child, who is?

I find it staggering that people wouldn't want to be involved in their children's education, even at such a basic level as meeting the teacher. I mean, how onerous is it?? Why wouldn't you?????