Now fuming with DSDs school

[user1487364179]

DSD started her periods last week. She has been very uncomfortable over the weekend and they seem to be very heavy.

Anyway- back to school today. I almost didnt send her in but she was upset she would miss games.

As her periods are so heavy- I advised her to put her gym knickers on under her uniform so if she had an accident it would be less likely that people would find out. She asked me if i would write a note requesting to the teacher if she could change in the sixth form changing rooms as she said that pupils have previously done this for similar reasons.

Anyway- went to pick her up very tearful after school. Gym teacher had refused to let her change in private, so she had changed in a toilet cubicle instead and the teacher gave her detention so disobeying what she said- and yes I agree to an extent she has a point but the toilets are located in the changing room where the other girls were so no chance of her getting left behind in a fire etc. Two of her friends waited for her.

DSD says the teacher shouted at her in front of the class and humiliated her. I went into the sports centre when i collected her but she was unavailable as it was a YR9 parents evening this evening

It is worth mentioning DSD feels this teacher has a bit of a grudge against her as she didn't want to rejoin the hockey team this year- which is of course her choice.

Am i being unreasonable to complain to the head tomorrow? Poor DSD has had DH and her teacher in the space of a day when shes already uncomfortable and embarassed.

[LassWiTheDelicateAir]

I think it was unreasonable to ask to use the 6th form changing room.

I don't see anything unreasonable for any girl to use the cubicle if she wants privacy.

I would complain.

[Wolfiefan]

Did you write a note? TBH there may be rules about pupils changing away from the group. Issues of supervision?

[LassWiTheDelicateAir]

There may well be.

Thinking again would it not have been capable of being dealt with by her simply going to the toilet before and after games to check her sanitary protection was ok; if not, then deal with it, and then go and change?

[YetAnotherSpartacus]

Complain to the Head re what happened. Expect to be told that it is unreasonable for students to use the sixth form room, but deflect the conversation towards this to the teachers' attitude and to school attitudes and accommodation of young girls starting their periods more generally. This needs to be both positive and sensitive. I can remember the traumas at my school, especially around gym and it was at this time that a lot of girls gave up on physical activity. With a bit more sensitivity I don't think this would have happened. I think the teacher was way out of line in humiliating your daughter.

[LassWiTheDelicateAir]

The gym teacher was way out of order calling her out publicly.

Not getting to use the 6th Year room is I think fair enough. I take it as well as gym knickers she has a spare pair of ordinary knickers ?

[HelenDenver]

Op

Did you mean your DH or the deputy head?