The parent of a child in our school passed away last week extremely suddenly and unexpectedly. The parent was liked and respected throughout the school and was an active member of the parents association, a cross year group classroom helper, and also a parent governor. Many, many children, staff and parents will miss them deeply. However we have recieved an email today stating that the school have also taken the decision to close all day on the day of the funeral next week "as a mark of respect and to allow staff and parents" the chance to attend the funeral service. This means that something like 140 families now have to find a days unexpected childcare for nearly 220 children with barely a week's notice, and many parents will in fact be unable to attend the service precisely because they are looking after their children, possibly having had to take the day of work to do so.
I understand entirely the wish to mark the passing with respect, and am not of the opinion that school and education is nothing more than free childcare. However I do not think that closing the entire school is necessary or indeed useful for the children. In complete contrast to this situation, my oldest friend also passed away two weeks ago and her funeral is tomorrow at 2:30pm :( The staff at her daughter's school (different town entirely) have voluntarily offered to run a special two hour after school club to allow the children of all the parents attending to be safe and happy until their parents get back from the service, cremation and wake. To me that's far more respectful and allows many more people to attend than closing the school would. I appreciate that it means most staff will not be able to attend but surely a small two or three person delegation is appropriate, perhaps the head and relevant class teachers?
So, am I unreasonable to be unhappy at such short notice, and do you think the school could/should have handled arrangements differently? I am not unemotional about this my the way, but I am trying to keep that in check.