What do you tell the school?

[AussieCaribou]

So, tonight's activity is writing to my DDs HS to tell them that she won't be there mid next week and at least the first two days of term 4...depending on jetlagged state.

I always love to write these letters. In the States, when I was a kid, you had to outline how the holiday would improve the educational outcome of the child in order to get a full clearance (something about how it was recorded on you file. Never truly understood the whole thing). We even found form letters about DL and WDW trips and how they teach 'history and cultural awareness'. ;0)

So, I have kept up the practice over here for DD. I try to make it fun...often getting letters back from the teachers asking to be adopted.

Alas this year is a bit more difficult. I'm writing to the school as an institution, not to a teacher. Sigh, it might just have to be a boring 'please excuse DD from school as she is traveling with family.'

Here's hoping I can find a magical way to say it.

9 days and counting! Woot!

 

[Mum from oz]

At our school we need to get permission off the principal. This year I have to ask for both my kids to take 4 weeks off in the middle of term 4. When we get back there will only be 2 weeks left in the school year!

I am dreading writing "that" letter. Last year we got the distinct impression that the principal was not happy and a don't do it again vibe....

It is annoying as my two are only in kindy and year 1. Both are doing well and are not behind. In fact DD is getting extension work so I'm sure she won't fall behind.

My letter will go something like this:

Dear Mr .......

I am writing to request permission for my two children DS from 1C and DD from KK. We will be travelling overseas for our wedding. We will be away from Monday 28th October for four weeks. The children will return to school on the 25th November.

Kind Regards,

Mum & Dad


I will formally be requesting the permission but I will be basically telling them we are taking them and when. If they don't like it we can just take our $$ and put them in public school.

 

[becpee]

My DS's school looks very kindly on overseas travel (they do 5 overseas camps per year).

I know when the time comes i'll have to have an interview with the junior school principal (which I think is really just a formality) and also put it in writing.

I will just say that we are exposing him to other cultures, languages, foods and geographical locations.
Part of his jobs while we're away will be to budget his own money, keep a daily diary of activites (including photo's) and if the teacher wishes a presentation on his return.