Unauthorised absense from school - one day

Gloomendoom

Tell the truth. As already said, lying doesn't set a particularly good example. Expecting your children to tell lies on your behalf is even worse.

elisamoose

Most heads would see this as exceptional circumstances and allow it. For what it is worth in my authority fines will only be issued for more than 5 days unauthorised absence,

valk_scot

I'd send a note into the school ahead of time to inform the school that the kids will be absent that day and why. Most schools don't have a problem with a single day of absence for a one off (and very good) reason, especially the attendance record is otherwise excellent. You don't actually have to have their permission to take kids out so they can't forbid you to do so. If they're feeling jobsworthy though they will possibly have a good moan at you. But it's better than lying. If you lie you'll just feel bad about it, worry about getting caught out and as has been said, it's hardly a good example for your children.

PlymouthMaid

It will be annoying and ridiculous of the school refuse permission but I think you should tell the truth as schools need a reality check - this family event is very important and a one off.

laurel7172

Tell the truth. I'm fairly sure our head would regard a 100th birthday as exceptional circumstances, and if yours doesn't, at least you come out of it with a reputation for honesty.

poet123

Tell the truth, it is a big family event.

rosalie-lavender

When my Grandmother was 100, I asked to take my three children out of school for the day and was given permission by two different schools. It was in the days before fines but the headmistress at the younger two 's school said of course they should be there as it could be a once in a lifetime event. I would write a letter saying you are taking the children out for the day and why.

It might be nice if, particularly the younger one could take a copy of the "telegram from the Queen" in to show the class. It will be something most of them will have never seen before.

As someone who works in a school I hear a lot of things the children aren't meant to tell us (or at least have been told by parents not to tell us.) One mother recently had to write a hurried letter to the school after she found out her year 6 daughter had let it out she was going on holiday with Granny next day.

GobbledyGook

I would tell them. There are no fines for one day and if you lie you basically have to tell the children not to talk about something that's an amazing event. Not many children will get to meet/spend time with someone who is 100 years old so I wouldn't want them to feel unable to talk about it.

peachyprice

Tell the truth. They can't stop you from taking your children out of school, the worse they can do is put 1 day unauthorised absence on their record. Better that than make yourself look a fool by lying.

Blackpool_Saver

Tell the truth