Should I write or make an appointment to see the head

[islandofsodor]

I need to ask permission from dd's school for some time off for a theatre production. In the past when she has had the odd day off for exams I have written a note in.

This will be 4 days in the week leading up to half term, though depending on her schedule ( there are 2 performances per day but she is sharing the role with another girl) she may not need every day off.

Do you think a note will suffice or shoudl I go and see him in person?

She has just gone into Year 4.

[Iggy]

Go and see the head in person. Make an appointment. Take along the schedule and go through it with them. The school should be thrilled to bits that a pupil in the school community has such a wonderful opportunity.
I am a deputy head of a primary school and my own dd is in a west end show at the moment and I get utterly infuriated with schools who can not see the value in such super learning opportunities. Drives me mad.....

[claret]

Hi, I totally agree with Iggy. Go and see the head in person; I think that schools will generally support individual achievement and development, after all it makes them look good too!!. My dd was on tour recently and her head teacher made the effort and personal expence to come and see her perform (btw a long way from where we are based) We have had a very positive response from our daughter's school and although she definitely hasn't had special treatment they are always open to talk to us and accomodate dd's interests.

[nextinline]

I always ask the schools which way they want me to approach them. I usually telephone the office and say it is for an audition or role and then suggest either going into see the Head or telephoning back if the Head is not available. My ds's school like me to telephone and send a letter. My dd's primary school Head will telephone me back if I leave a message. Great opportunity for your dd, hope she enjoys the show.

[Nicola]

Just to let you know IOS, I've never had any problem at all with them agreeing to time off for K (although I know that's the senior school rather than junior). They're completely supportive as long as work is kept up to date with, and it's not that unusual a request as quite a few of the senior girls take part in the panto each year.

I like Nextinline's approach though in so far as how to handle it - explain the situation to the office and ask them if they think it warrants a meeting or whether a letter or e-mail will suffice (which to be honest, I think it probably will)

When K needs time off for filming, I drop her head of year an e-mail, and copy in her form teacher and any subject teachers for lessons that she will miss. It's slightly different for us as we came to an agreement in principle at the beginning of the year that she may need time off for castings or filming, but they are always very accommodating. I think it's one of the occasions where the fact that we pay them pays off!!!

[islandofsodor]

I think I'll pop into the office tomorrow (ds is only Year 2 so I usually stay around til the whistle) and ask if I need to see the Head. I have written a letter just in case (in any case it outlines the dates).

I know children inthe junior have had time off in the past one girl was in the BRB Nutcracker last year and another in Joseph so I can't see it being a problem. Her last class teacher loved any of them doing things (She got dd to perform her LAMDA piece in front of the class the day before her exam) but I havn't yet met her teacher this year.

What do you think of the new uniform. I love the look of it but have been told the Senior one is rather itchy material?

[Nicola]

Oh yes, itchy is what I keep getting told too - it's wool and really quite rough - AND it's dry-clean only! The boys' trousers seem to be the worst thing, because unlike the girls' skirts they're not lined (and they're obviously not wearing tights either!), so they have the itchy material next to their skin.

And half the 6th form still have missing uniform items and everyone I speak to has had numerous rows with Perrys about their service (or should I say "lack of")

Having said that, I like it more than I thought I would, although I've refused point blank to spend £16 on one white school blouse - and after a lot of searching, I've bought extremely similar ones online which were 2 for £10!!!

good luck with the school tomorrow - and like you say, I'm sure it'll be fine.

[islandofsodor]

Asked at the office today and they told me to given them a letter.

I refused to buy the junior trousers ds is still tiny and needs the pull in waist. Not had a bad experience with Perry so far except they said dd's bag wouldn't be here til end of Sept. However mine are mostly wearing out old uniform.