Primary School Mess

Freefromdebt_2

36square wrote: »

FreefromDebt
As a matter of interest, why is the principal absent. Please don't tell me it's "stress-related" sick leave.

A close relative of theirs is seriously ill and I wish them all the best and a speedy return to health.

Freefromdebt_2

Hoof_Hearted wrote: »

I think that it is up to the managers how staff are deployed in the school. Sometimes difficult decisions have to be made, but only the senior staff have the big picture. However, allowing children to change class when parents request it is the thin end of the wedge. I would never allow that unless there was an exceptional reason. the fact that the other teacher may be viewed as better would not be one of them.

I agree and that is the reason I am so disappointed in my child's school.

Freefromdebt_2

Snoozle wrote: »

Is this definitely the case, or is it possible that this is playground gossip? I think you are right to want the best for your child, nothing wrong with that, but the poor state of the teacher's qualifications sounds surprising. When there are so many unemployed, well qualified and often experienced teachers in NI who are desperately looking for work, it just seems strange that a school would choose to employ someone who on paper looks substandard. Having said that, the fact that a teacher is newly qualified isn't in itself a reason to be concerned, everyone has to have a first job, just because you are new to something doesn't mean you are bad at it.

This is definitely the case - the sub brought in to teach P5 is a relative of the P6 teacher. I do understand that NQTs do need to start somewhere but I definitely smell a big stinking rat in this somewhere.

carolpinkdreamer

My child has had this done to her twice. Her class teachers went to Year 6 to cover maternity leave while my daughter was in year 3 and then in year 4 her next teacher was also sent to year 6 to cover a different maternity leave!
My daughter (&me) were upset both times. During year 3 my DD got used to her cover teacher quickly and accepted the situation. During year 4 she hated the cover teacher but had to put up with the situation. Her work didn't suffer either time.
Unfortunately schools class more importance on Year 6. I feel that you'll just have to accept the school's decision.
Causing a fuss over something you can't change will only make you unpopular within school.

Pretani

just to put your mind at rest, I moved schools half way through my p6 year, passed my 11+ top marks, got 3 A-levels and an upper division 2:1 degree......and I wasn't the smartest in the class. Don't panick, your child will be fine!

Freefromdebt_2

Just to give you a quick update - on Friday they had a spelling test and times table test. During each of these tests anarchy ruled in P5. Some kids were shouting out the answers, others were doing backflips during the tests and were very unruly - the sub teacher was unable to control the class. The icing on the cake was two 8 year old boys who took to each other in the middle of the class hitting and punching each other with one shouting 'Do you want to die ?' My daughter had to listen to this and understandably has been very upset by this over the weekend. What do I do now ?

natasha8642

Freefromdebt wrote: »

Just to give you a quick update - on Friday they had a spelling test and times table test. During each of these tests anarchy ruled in P5. Some kids were shouting out the answers, others were doing backflips during the tests and were very unruly - the sub teacher was unable to control the class. The icing on the cake was two 8 year old boys who took to each other in the middle of the class hitting and punching each other with one shouting 'Do you want to die ?' My daughter had to listen to this and understandably has been very upset by this over the weekend. What do I do now ?

Honestly if this was me I would look at other schools in the area. The school appear to be showing poor judgement, my son goes to a primary school in Carnlough and loves (I mean LOVES) every minute there. I find it hard to understand why the brushed your concerns away, I have always found the staff at my son's school to be so friendly and helpful, willing to explain and listen to everything we ask/say, its really small (this year it has 45 students I think)

I hope this gets sorted for you quickly, this must be quite stressful for your daughter.

Pretani

Freefromdebt wrote: »

Just to give you a quick update - on Friday they had a spelling test and times table test. During each of these tests anarchy ruled in P5. Some kids were shouting out the answers, others were doing backflips during the tests and were very unruly - the sub teacher was unable to control the class. The icing on the cake was two 8 year old boys who took to each other in the middle of the class hitting and punching each other with one shouting 'Do you want to die ?' My daughter had to listen to this and understandably has been very upset by this over the weekend. What do I do now ?

Sit tight and call the riot squad............only joking

....Every school/class goes through periods where the children rule, be it when the teacher leaves for the toilet or leaves due to illness. This isn't bad for your child's development, its actually good. It releases pressure.

Don't panic, too much protection/security can be a bad thing.

Pretani

just to give you another perspective on the issue. I had a French teacher who had immaculate records in teaching, he ruled by the rod. He got pass grades out of people other teachers deemed as incapable.

However, was his strict regime about him, or the pupils?

Pupils and parents went to him because they knew he would provide the necessary 'points' for University.

Of all the people I know in that year who undertook that subject, only one person went to Uni and now teaches French, all the others used it as a stepping stone.

Do you want you son or daughter to be a stepping stone, or do you want them to find something in their lives that benefits them?

Freefromdebt_2

I am angry because 3 P6 (on the Board of Governors no less) parents forced this decision as they were unhappy with the quality of teaching their kids were receiving. I have a child in P7 at the same primary who has gone through no less than 10 substitute teachers since the beginning of P5 and not one of the P7 parents ever voiced an objection to the subs. This primary is located right beside an industrial site where paint fumes hang in the air daily affecting our kids health. When we voiced our concerns over the health and safety of our kids some governors warned us not to 'rock the boat too much' as this factory is a major employer in our local area. We were told by a representative from the HSE that our kids werent inhaling anything more than if they were gluesniffers! So looking back at various episodes throughout the last 7 years I cant help but become very angry and frustrated at decisions which are made (occasionally). (Sorry for the rant):(