Taking child out from High School for sibling's Graduation?

[NortyBut]

Would love advice/guidance about this please? My eldest DS's Uni Graduation is on a weekday when DD (13) should be at school, not long after the start of term. DS and I'd very much like her to come along as well and as she's hoping to go to the same Uni in a few years' time it'd be a good experience. She has a high attendance rate. Should I attempt to get the School's 'permission' to take her out for the day or just report her as absent on the day as 'poorly'? I don't like to tell lies but don't want her to miss out either! WWYD? Thanks

[MrsJayy]

Write them a letter just say you are going to the graduation missnorty will be off that day it may or may not get authorised but it wont matter they won't stop her going. I think its a great opportunity for your youngest to see your eldest graduate school might see it the same.

[NortyBut]

Thanks MrsJayy, good idea

[superram]

The school might authorise but even if they don't they won't actually mind and certainly won't fine.

[DoctorDonnaNoble]

I'd write a letter and ask. I'm a teacher, my head allowed me two days off for my sister's graduation (the other side of the country).

[NortyBut]

Thanks both

[Redsrule]

As a teacher I have been given the day off for my DCs' graduations and I know that my school authorises parents requests.

[admission]

This comes down to whether the head teacher thinks that this is an exceptional circumstance and therefore can be given as authorised absence, rather than unauthorised.
I think it is exceptional, as it is hardly likely to happen again to the elder sibling.
What I would not do is try to say that the younger child is ill - they are almost for sure going to drop you in it at school, as they will be impressed and say something about it at school. Be upfront and say they will be absent because of the ceremony and norty minor totally looks up to norty senior, who he wishes to emulate in the future.

[NortyBut]

Redsrule - good to hear! Admission - I think you're probably right as DD won't be able to keep it a secret from her mates! I've now checked the School's website and found a form to fill in so we'll see what happens...
Thanks again for your replies.

[t4nut]

Personally I'd just not bother telling them.

[prh47bridge]

Personally I'd just not bother telling them

I would not recommend that approach. The child is likely to spill the beans anyway. Not telling them certainly won't improve your relationship with the school nor will it reduce your chances of getting a fine, although a fine is very unlikely if attendance is otherwise good.

[booklooker]

Quite a few years ago I was teaching, covering a maternity leave. My fiance (now DW) was about to graduate with a distinction from her MSc. I really wanted to be there, so rather gingerly asked for in-term time off.

I was really quiite suprised when it was granted to me (maybe they knew what a shaffting I would be getting a few weeks down the line)

My point being, if a school can grant a teacher leave fr this, they may well do the same for a pupil.

[t4nut]

I wouldn't bother because if your child has good attendance then noone s going to be chasing for one day.

[prh47bridge]

noone s going to be chasing for one day

Some schools certainly would.

[t4nut]

Ignore them. EWO is only going to get involved if attendance is an issue.