I am so angry!

[KateEllis]

At the end of September my DD (age 7) was cast as Cinderella in the school panto. The school takes these things VERY seriously so they have had lots of after school sessions etc. I was very pleased for my daughter because she was so excited (please note I did not care about her having a lead role, I just want her to be happy). She has had loads of lines to learn but has been brilliant and learnt them all, on top of learning two solo songs and 4 other songs and attended every after school rehersal. I had also made one of her costumes and bought another. The panto was due to be next friday, then the falling monday and tuesday.

However today this happened. I was waiting in the yard to collect her and her younger sister, when she came out of school I could see it looked like she was on the verge of tears, I asked her what was wrong and she said 'I'm not Cinderella anymore'.
At first my initial thought was, as she was ill yesterday mybe somebody covered for her and she was a bit confused. I asked this but she insisted the part had been given to another little girl.
Her teacher was in the yard so I went over to speak to her.
I just said dd is a bit upset because she thinks she is no longer playing cinderella.
Her teacher said "That's right she isn't"
I asked why and she said
"Well she was off yesterday, and I expect people who are given big parts to show a commitment. It is also to show her that good attendance is a must"
Yesterday was the first day my daughter has had off this year!!!!!!
She also said she has given another girl the part and now this little girl has to learn everything by next friday which just seems impossible for a 7 yo, and as I said the school will expect this girl to learn all the lines as they take drama productions extremely seriously.

My daughter is so upset and I am so angry, up until today her teacher and others have been coming up to me in the yard and saying how great she is doing now they have completely devastated her after all the effort she has put in. She now has no part at all, as its a whole school production all parts are taken up.

I am so angry and upset for my poor daughter who hasn't stopped crying

And make sure you get your deposit back and they don't make you pay a terms notice

Superb!

Good for you. Flipping outrageous behaviour by them.

Well done!! You were very strong and your DD is lucky to have such great parents.

Excellent result - top marks! Don't forget about not letting them sting you for next term's fees - enjoy imagining the Head explaining the gap in the column to the Bursar! .

Well done. I'm so pleased you did this. Your DD will always know that you fought her corner (and won!)

Wow- great going! Brilliantly done!

Well done!

And assuming you withdraw your DD, tell them upfront that under no circumstances will you consider paying a penny of any penalty fees. The school is in breach of contract in failing to ensure your DD's emotional and social well-being. My friend (son bullied at last school) told the Head this and all mention of the "compromise" he had put forward (ie paying half the fees for late notice) was quietly dropped.

i feel sorry for the other girl now

really what a palaver over a school play

Yaaaaay!! Go Team Ellis!!

Teach those bastards some empathy and professional behaviour.

:)

So chuffed for your DD.

Contact your choice of replacement school NOW to make sure there's a place!

Also, don't be surprised if there's yet another volte-face tomorrow from the school, when Cinders 2's parents rock up with their solicitor.

hurray! well done!

Still astonished at their behaviour though. How can anyone in their right mind not only do this in the first place but then actually seek to justify it?!

Just read this thread and I am disgusted by the actions of this teacher and the head. I am glad things are resolved but it would be great if the op could name and shame the school.
I hope little cinders will be very happy in her new school.

standing ovation!!!!

hope your DD really enjoys the performances.

I do feel sorry for cinderella 2 for having such awful pushy parents though....some digging is still required there but leave that to the other parents eh - you're outta there.

good luck with the new school!

I have just had the wickedest idea. Don't send her on on performance days...

Yay for Cinders 1!

Also, don't be surprised if there's yet another volte-face tomorrow from the school, when Cinders 2's parents rock up with their solicitor.

Agree - so suggest you get your retaliation in first and contact the Chair of Governors asap. Otherwise - now you have withdrawn the children - the head may take the view that she has nothing to lose with you and it is more important to placate Cinders 2's parents especially if they are big donors.

You need to make the governors aware of the damage to the school's reputation if you are forced to go to the papers. And to tell every other parent you know at the school.

that is a funny idea Italianlady, amazing

I personally don't think they'll push for next term fees. Bullies like these are basically cowards and back down when people like yourselves stand up to them.

Enjoy these next 2 weeks working up to your daughter's performance - and put the rest down to experience as you enquire into new schools. This is a new adventure. :)

Nice one

Wow! Well done OP! School is unbelievable! Think you have done the right thing.

Your daughter will always remember how you stood up for her. I bet she'll do a fantastic job. Nasty school.

So glad your DD has got her part back, and it sounds like you were amazing in the meeting! Good luck with finding a new school for your DCs, hopefully you will find somewhere that she will be very happy.