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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

About the Xmas play and if so what should I do?

17 replies

MadMaddiex · 12/12/2022 12:25

Just made a login to ask the collective wisdom of Mn whether I'm being silly and if not, what to do about it quickly.

so my DS's school Xmas play is sche for tonight and the school have just messaged to say that it will go ahead and no alternatives (recording, alternative performance etc) will be considered. This is despite:

  • the snow fall here is over 6 inches, none of the roads (except main roads) are gritted and several families have to drive to school
  • school expects us to drop off kids at 6, hang around in the middle of nowhere for an hour, doors open at 7, performance till 8:30 then hang around again till 9 to collect our children from the playground for 'safeguarding'
  • spoke to school office today who confirmed several families have rung to ask about alternative plans
  • this school is notorious for chat if. Plans at the last minute when it suits and parents are usually very accommodating
  • school is on a steep hill and this morning there was an incident with a car nearly sliding into a child on the pavement at drop off.

aibu to think this is ludicrous? I appreciate I'll get all the usual replies about keeping calm and carrying on. I'm not worried about the snow, I've lived in the US in much snowier places but those areas had proper plans for extreme weather such as gritted roads and sensible timings for school plays.

I've already rung the office and had no response (as usual). I I'm not being u, what should I do next?

OP posts:
TheLittlestLightOnTheXmasTree · 12/12/2022 12:26

Sounds like many won't go so will end up cancelled

Original poster
MadMaddiex · 12/12/2022 12:27

Ah sorry posted too soon! 'this school is notorious for chat if' should read 'the school is notorious for last minute changes to plans and updates'

OP posts:
PlaitBilledDuckyPuss · 12/12/2022 12:28

Pull your son out if it's not safe to travel. Sounds like you will be far from the only one.

fancyacuppatea · 12/12/2022 12:30

So you have to collect him from school, then take him back for 6?
NO.
Just No.

Fusciainertia · 12/12/2022 12:31

Snow aside those timings are awful. How far do you live from the school? My children go to bed at 7:30pm so if others are anything like mine they are going to have tired grumpy kids to look after.

Original poster
MadMaddiex · 12/12/2022 12:31

I think the schools 'holding the line' to see how many kids turn up, but it's very unfair on the others. I have no burning desire to see the play 😂but they've been practising non stop for this play and DS is very excited about it. I will keep him
home if it's but I'm not sure what the point of the Xmas play is, if not for the children performing?

OP posts:
MelchiorsMistress · 12/12/2022 12:31

Decide if you think it’s safe for your own child and family to attend and then do that. I can see where the school is coming from, they can’t expect their staff to stay late on extra nights just because of the snow. They’ve already given up their time for tonight, and even if they wanted to they may not be able to accommodate the show on another night.

Original poster
MadMaddiex · 12/12/2022 12:32

Exactly! I mean it seemed like a bad idea before the snow but I was happy to put up with it for DS sake. Now I'm baffled they've not had more push back.

OP posts:
Iguanainanigloo · 12/12/2022 12:34

That's mad. All the schools where I am are completely shut for the day, and there's nothing on the ground anymore, not even the slightest bit of snow/ice around 🤷‍♀️

Original poster
MadMaddiex · 12/12/2022 12:36

fancyacuppatea · 12/12/2022 12:30

So you have to collect him from school, then take him back for 6?
NO.
Just No.

Yes exactly, collect at 3:30, get home by 4, give them tea and then drag them all out again in costume for 6. I'll have to wait at the school for an hour with his brother. Usually we'd go to the park but it's a bit much in this weather.

OP posts:
MrsMyfanwy · 12/12/2022 12:39

If you can't get through to them by phone, I'll bet there will be a queue of parents lined up at home time telling them they're not venturing out again . They can do the play another time

TheWayTheLightFalls · 12/12/2022 12:48

That timing is diabolical. The one thing you can near-on guarantee about families with young kids is that they... have young kids, and sometimes younger kids. With bedtimes / a tendency to go bananas if overtired.

TheFairyCaravan · 12/12/2022 12:52

There’s no way I’d do that. It’s beyond bonkers in this weather.

Burgoo · 12/12/2022 12:57

Whilst I do understand the question, lets not make out that this is like the arctic or some blizzard where we are trapped in our homes. Its 6 inches of snow, much of which will be turned to slush as people drive through it. If you need to add chains on the tyres, pack some heat packs in case you break down or can't get out the front door then maybe it'd make sense. Though I suspect the most problematic thing will be de-icing the car!

Do what feels right for you. As a guy, I will often veer on the side of risk taking and that is why I need balancing out by my wife. Then again I put my 2 year old down a 30ft slide on her own so I am probably not the best person to give this sort of advice!

Lndnmummy · 12/12/2022 13:05

Absolutely no way

Newuser82 · 12/12/2022 13:17

Those timings are ridiculous even without the snow!

LlynTegid · 12/12/2022 13:25

Say no now. More chance of it being cancelled if you and other parents say so. Given that many of the parents probably cannot drive properly in snow (or at all) it would be no bad thing for it to be cancelled.

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