WWYD school Christmas Concert

[ChristmasTidyings]

I say concert loosely! School are putting on a Christmas Concert which will last 30 mins, children singing mostly. It is being held outdoors and originally said would be dependent on the weather and a decision will be made the day before. They said yesterday it will go ahead.

The forecast yesterday was rain, but dry by the time of the concert. The rain came later than expected and radar is showing the next batch will hit 10 mins after the concert starts.

It is currently 1 degree, the paths and grounds are covered in a delightful mix of snow (about 8cm) and ice.

School say attendance is obligatory.

DH says nothing outside of school hours can be obligatory and he doesn't want the DC going if it's raining.

I personally have no desire to stand for 40 mins in freezing rain so I see his point, however school say DC must be there.

YABU : it's obligatory, the DC must go
YANBU : it's crazy to keep children out in the freezing cold just to sing, keep them home.

What time is it?

Is it private or state school? If private did you sign anything or if state are they part of the choir etc?

How old is child and do you collect or do they need to leave alone so might be told they can't?

They should dress appropriately and go.

Why is it outside. That and the rain would be factored into my decision about going

If it’s actually raining I wouldn’t go, but if it’s just cold and rain forecast, I’d layer everyone up and get on with it.

Why is it outside.
Fuck knows. Probably so they don't have to clean the gym! They have a stage and everything.
It is currently raining. According to the radar, there is supposed to be a break and then it starts again at 1835. The concert starts at 630pm. State primary, no choir. Each class sings a couple of songs and they do a couple together.

What kind of crazy school organises an outdoor concert at this time of year?!

i would not be keen on either attending or having my dc take part in that. I’m already not looking forward to hanging around waiting for my ds to pack up after his concert tonight, but at least I’ll be in the warm for the actual concert!

Then bring home and don't return. I'd actually tell school you think it's unlikely you'll be back as you have other things to attend to. If they say you MUST ask what the consequences are then challenge from there

How can it be obligatory? What will they do if you don't show up?

@panko I have no idea!

Say you don't currently celebrate Christmas?

Just wrap them up warm in layers and waterproofs

It takes us 20 minutes to walk to school, 30 I ntbe ice. Its currently 1°C but will be - 2°C by 6. So an hour round trip, probably an30 minutes dianetics around whilst people faff to see sing a few songs.

No chance.

Tell school they can't come, ask what the consequences are and then challenge them punishing DC for your decision

Bloody hell, sorry for my typos. I was being licked.

Yanbu.
My 18yo struggled being outside at that time of day at the weekend when he went to an event.
It will be awful for little kids. Cold, dark and wet. And they'll be stood still so the cold will feel worse.

😂

Nope, I wouldn't be taking my young kids to sing outside after school hours in the cold and the dark, never mind the bloody rain !

It cannot be 'obligatory' for them to attend after school has finished for the day anyway !

Just say 'no'.

My children's primary school tied that one on us many years ago. Dd was actually dancing in a professional panto on the same day as a carol service so we luckily had a valid excuse but I simply informed the school that she had another commitment so neither child would be attending.

Two separate issues here. Firstly, I don't think it's that bad to have an outdoor concert (although obviously not ideal). Just wear weather appropriate clothing and you should be fine. Do the kids have thermal underwear? Layer up their clothes too.

Secondly, of course the school can't force the children to attend something outside of school hours. What's going to happen if they don't go?!

Do your kids want to go? Follow their lead!

"I'm sorry, child has a headache. They will be in tomorrow if feeling better".

F that. Outside in the weather is extremely irresponsible of them. I'd like to see their risk assessment

No fucking chance would I be bringing my kids to stand in the dark being pelted by rain and snow. Enjoy being home and warm and wish the others good luck lol.

🤣🤣

Im currently wondering if I should:

stage a class rebellion and ask around to see who is not going.

plead ignorance and say but it said it would be cancelled in bad weather

If I tell them they're not coming and school says they have to, what do I do then?

I just asked my neighbours who have a DC in reception if they're planning to go. No because DC has chicken pox. Seems a little extreme!

@EmmaDilemma5 I have two DC though!
One is violently opposed to going (but would be if it was perfect weather or indoors).
The other would rather go to sport club but is also happy to go and sing. Just not in this weather!

Licked by what?!

Just don’t go. Don’t tell them anything. Honestly, it is not obligatory.

Not a snowballs chance in hell (pun intended) Once I'm in on a freezing winters night, I'm staying put unless life or death situation and I'm pretty sure the school can't enforce it.
We don't live in in a police state (yet)