Parent-Teacher Interviews, and the Impact of Travel

Travel Tuesday

Late last week we had our bi-annual Parent-Teacher Interview. Actually it was scheduled for a few weeks ago, but one thing had led to another and the teacher and myself just couldn't manage to be in the same room at the same time. So last Friday we were both standing in the school grounds after school had finished for the day and decided to do it there and then. A little unorthodox I agree, but sometimes you just do what you have to do!

I knew from the report I had received that few weeks earlier that we really didn't have that much to talk about. Daughters grades were as they should be, even a little better in parts, so I certainly couldn't find fault. And then the teacher asked me the question, "did you notice how many days absent were noted?" (On the reports we receive, it also notes how many days your child has been absent from school for that preceding period). When I said I hadn't paid any attention, the teacher looked at me with a wry grin. Whilst she understood why the tally stood at 25 days away, she pointed out that every time we go on adventure, it pushes her class absenteeism figures through the roof, which she in turn has to explain to her superiors.

The school Daughter attends follows a unique dual curriculum, meaning that by being part of the Steiner stream, we have the same teacher all the way through the primary school years. So fortunately for us, our teacher has not only got used to our adventuring over the years (Daughter is now in year 5), she is also a strong advocate for our continued travelling. She understands the value of travel is as much about education as it is about enjoyment. I ponder sometimes on how difficult it would be if our teacher did not appreciate that value. What if she spent more time trying to talk us out of it, or even complaining about us, than actively encouraging her student to take on the world? A question I don't have to worry about answering, thank goodness.

Ultimately it is the parents' decision as to how they choose to raise their child/ren. Yes, it makes sense to take into account all the feedback received, including that of the teachers. But surely you have to model all that you value and hold true, so your child/ren get a real sense of what that is. For me, travel and the associated education will always feature highly...

Happy Travels!
the entrepreneurial mother™

Comments

[Katherine]

You are so fortunate that your teacher is supportive of your travels. At our daughter's school, any absences are frowned upon, even in kindergarten! It's hard to get used to the idea that you can't just pick up and leave when work allows -- now we are tied to the school calendar too.