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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

teacher confiscated ds's ipod - so pissed off!

50 replies

ipodrage · 21/12/2011 16:37

OK, normally v. supportive of teachers and appreciate their often difficult job. DS (12) went into school for an after school class he has. Class was cancelled. A teacher saw his headphones and confiscated the iPod (He has been listening on his way to school and had only just walked in and was in the entrance area). Only way to get it back is for me to schlepp to the school and personally collect it from the secretary.

Only 1.5 days left of school before holidays, and like everybody else, I have tons to do and frankly it's a huge pain in the arse.

Obviously I understand it's designed to be a pain in the arse so parents rant at their kids and kids don't do it again.

But, considering it's Christmas coming up (bah bloody humbug to you miserable cow teacher), such a tiny window for me, who has done nothing wrong to have to get there, otherwise 2 weeks without, and we're going away, and It's expensive and concerned about it getting robbed. BUT, for me the key is most of all, school was over anyway, it's not like he was sitting in the back of his lesson or in assembly baring out music and not paying attention, AIBU to be so pissed off about this?

And do I just (kill myself trying to fit it in) meekly collect it, or call her and let her know my thoughts on the topic?

OP posts:

FourArms · 21/12/2011 17:07

Depends on school rules. Ours are not out between 8.45-3.15 (end of last lesson). Has he broken the specific school rules? If so, YABU to expect different rules just because it's close to Christmas. Rules need to be adhered to more closely than ever or learning stops on 1/12!

Original poster

ipodrage · 21/12/2011 17:10

corlan, good point, you're right, I am glad about that and in general am happy with the school and know academically v. high standards.

OK; so IABU, but am still pissed off! :)

OP posts:

Laquitar · 21/12/2011 17:10

I would go and collect it but because of the time i will spend to do that he will have to do some extra ironing/cooking or shop and pack for the holidays.

LovesBloominChristmas · 21/12/2011 17:10

Can't you call and plead ask if they would allow ds to collect it on his way home tomorrow?

Original poster

ipodrage · 21/12/2011 17:15

Fallen Madonna, have I understood correctly that you think I am suggesting I thuggishly go round to "discuss" with the teacher? Absolutely not. I never expect a teacher to be available to discuss anything with me without prior appointment. In my OP I asked if IWBU to call her (i.e. telephone) her to discuss it. (And I assure you it would be polite!) The only way I could speak to the teacher would be to call the school and ask if she were available, which means she would only take the call if she were willing to, so it would totally be in her hands to decline.

Anyway, I'm now wasting more of my time on here discussing the bloody iPod. Thanks for input. IABU. Got it. grrr.

OP posts:

fedupofnamechanging · 21/12/2011 17:24

YANBU from me.

School was over, and while the rule might be that your ds shouldn't have it on school grounds, I think it was petty to take it from him after the school day.

Some teachers can be very mean, just for the sake of it (and I say that as a former teacher).

I would phone the school, speak to the head and ask them to return it to your child. Make your feelings known (politely).

TheFallenMadonna · 21/12/2011 17:32

No, you are misunderstanding me. I was responding to LaCicciolina.

yellowraincoat · 21/12/2011 17:34

Why are you pissed off? It doesn't affect you, does it? It's your son's loss, the ipod will be fine over Christmas at the school.

Original poster

ipodrage · 21/12/2011 17:35

oh, ok I see. Pet hate of mine parents turning up shouting the odds and expecting to be seen and allowed to vent whenever. Always appointments and politeness here, I assure you!

OP posts:

MissBetsyTrotwood · 21/12/2011 17:38

To echo what corlan said, he's lucky to go to a school where the rules are rigorously enforced.

MildlyNarkyPuffin · 21/12/2011 17:40

I understand why you're annoyed - picking it up is the last thing you need - but have you considered why they have the rule? It's not just to stop them listening to suff during lessons. It's because it's an expensive thing that is easy to lose or misplace or there's a good chance of it being stolen. Imagine the trouble that would cause between pupils and from parents angry at the loss.

They don't want them in the school building, even after lessons are over.

Original poster

ipodrage · 21/12/2011 17:42

missb, I know and I agree, already thanked her for reminding me of that.

yellowraincoat, as I said, our local nursery was burgled just a couple of days ago, so I don't feel so confident that it will be safe.. Plus for the holidays and long journeys (and I'm talking 8+ hours) I think he should be allowed to have it.

Will try to collect it tomorrow but not let him have it till journey itself. And give him extra jobs. Like that idea.

OP posts:

IHeartKingThistle · 21/12/2011 17:50

I can't believe the school rules brigade are pitching up telling you YABU. I'm a teacher and under those circumstances there's no way I'd have confiscated it. I'm strict about important things. Walking into school with headphones round his neck? Do me a favour.

YANBU

gettingeasier · 21/12/2011 18:05

Yes OP definetly make him suffer a bit even if you privately think it was a bit harsh, I am sure sooner or later DDs will go astray and wish she would leave it at home.

Also as an aside I hate her wearing earphones walking around or to school because I think she is less careful of roads etc.

minimisschief · 21/12/2011 19:01

headphones round his neck to a teacher means that some smart arse aka your son is trying to listen to music when hes not suppose too.

back in our school days we had headphones going down our sleaves under our shirts and sit in class listening to music while leaning on the hand with the earphone poking out of our sleeves. it worked about 80% of the time.

deepandcrispandsevenfold · 21/12/2011 19:03

yanbu
as you say op it wasn't in a leasson

G1nger · 21/12/2011 19:10

It'll be in the safe, with the knives, if it's anything like the school I used to work at.

slavetofilofax · 21/12/2011 19:12

I don't think YABU.

At my ds's secondary school they are allowed to take ipods in, but they have strict instructions about when they can get them out. If your ds was at my ds's school, no rule would have been broken.

I would call the school, explain the situation, be nice, lie through your teeth and tell them that you understand why they took it away, but ask that he be allowed to have it back before he leaves on the last day because you are unable to collect it before Christmas.

humblehippo · 21/12/2011 20:06

YANBU

I think the school is heavy handed here if your DS was going in AFTER school for something voluntarily. Fair enough to confiscate if he is using in lessons but based on the scenario you've given I think they were way over the top and unfair to him.

troisgarcons · 21/12/2011 20:09

YABU - you bought into the school rules

"just in entrance area" = on premises.

In hours/out of hours - no shit sherlock. Rules apply

You dont like the rules - you are free to look for another school. That applies to everyone.

maypole1 · 21/12/2011 20:17

My sons schools rules are no I pods , no mobiles, no hand held game devices
If found on the children they will be taken and only given back at the end of term end of

I can't see what the issue is really we all signed the form when they started

I am sure op school is very similar

maypole1 · 21/12/2011 20:18

I must add even after school also any event held by the school even parents evening they must wear school uniform

Original poster

ipodrage · 21/12/2011 20:36

In general I make an effort to be always polite to people. I don't really see any need to be rude and abrupt.

OP posts:

sashh · 22/12/2011 03:02

School rules apply after school, otherwise the school could not set homework or control behaviour outside school.

Rules often apply to the building, so outside you can have your coat / hat on but as soon as you come inside they need to be removed.

If you really think he will suffer without it then get him a cheap MP3 for the break.

LaCiccolina · 22/12/2011 18:58

Ipodrage, wow. Did you expect all of this when you posted this question?!? Am reading with well frankly I don't know what I think and Ive even posted in all this too somewhat lightheartedly not really thinking all this would occur....

Anyway, hope your household hits peace and tranquility tonight and that this is all now in the past. Hope you have a merry little christmas and may all your new years be bright...

Hope you get an extra hug from the boy. Think mum deserves it xxx

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