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Original poster

So headmaster is being power hungry and insisting on unauthorised absence...

54 replies

Koumak · 09/12/2010 19:41

Hi, not sure if this really belong in the education thread...but I have sent the headmaster of my son's primary school, he is in year one, saying that we have a family wedding on 22 dec (last day of term) and that ds is not going to be in on that day. Got a reply today saying: "As you have not sought persmission for ds's absence, it will be marked as unauthorised absence."
I have obviously not used enough "please" and "could you possibly"... Well, it is first time I have done anything like this. Ds has obviously missed some school due to ilness when he was in reception but all I had to do was to call the school office on the day and explain that he is not coming in. He also missed a day when his little sister was born and I would've thought that all the above absolutely reasonable. So why is he making a point? I have never asked for a time off due to an early or late holiday if you know what I mean? Obviously I want to appeal this. What do we think?

OP posts:
Unprune · 09/12/2010 19:43

I think it doesn't matter in the least!
At our school, it's a form letter...unauthorised absence because they have to tick some box or other.
They don't hold it against you afaik unless you seriously piss them off with termtime holidays etc

Original poster
Koumak · 09/12/2010 19:45

The other thing is. I went to pick up ds today from after school club and I saw him at school sort of hanging around. It really felt like he was waiting for me to find the letter in the book bag. He said hello to me but did not start conversation with me. And when he saw I found the letter (at the end of the club when we were getting ds's things ready) I always check his bag for letters while he puts his shoes on.. I actually remember him looking my direction and when I read the letter he walked off! Needless to say I was not going to leave it like that and followed him to the office and asked him about this. He basically said that I did not asked I informed therefore broke the rules and it is going to be unauthorised!
So do I chalenge this - nicely - by writing another letter and enclosing copy or even original of the invitation or just leave it?

OP posts:
cornycravescava · 09/12/2010 19:46

sounds like he is making a point yes - try not to worry about it.

Original poster
Koumak · 09/12/2010 19:46

Sorry it is rather long post!

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MaryMotherOfCheeses · 09/12/2010 19:47

In our school, they have to put holidays down as unauthorised absence, but the "as you have not sought permission" bit is odd.

Thing is, do you care that it's not authorised?

What exactly are they going to do? (assuming of course that your DS isn't off on a regular basis...)

Original poster
Koumak · 09/12/2010 19:48

I have tried saying light heartily that I am indeed a foreign and should I reword it? I think I am just annoyed about his satisfied look on his face when he was walking off that he could turn me down!

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cornycravescava · 09/12/2010 19:48

marymotherofcheeses where have you been?

snice · 09/12/2010 19:48

we have a specific form that has to be filled in and returned to school giving all the necessary info-could it be that there is something like this that you have overlooked?

Unprune · 09/12/2010 19:48

He sounds like a twat.
What are the consequences of someone having one unauthorised absence on their record?
I would just leave it and then feel slightly superior to the head for being a dickhead.

SlartyBartFast · 09/12/2010 19:48

he was rather off not approaching you
but i agree, i can't see how it can be authorised, even if you ask

MaryMotherOfCheeses · 09/12/2010 19:49
Grin

Around and about

Are you cornsilk?

saggarmakersbottomknocker · 09/12/2010 19:49

I wouldn't bother, just take the day. He doesn't have to authorise, even if you had asked rather than informed.

Original poster
Koumak · 09/12/2010 19:49

Surely if he wanted he could've said something like I am sorry it is not necessary to be off for the wedding bla bla we wont stop you but it will be marked as unathorised?

OP posts:
cornycravescava · 09/12/2010 19:49

yes - haven't seen you on for ages! You have my fav MN name Grin

Original poster
Koumak · 09/12/2010 19:50

Yes it does annoy me. I dont like the word unauthorised as I gave them notice. Does that make sense?

OP posts:
Unprune · 09/12/2010 19:51

IT IS ADMIN
It doesn't matter

But you have reminded me that I have to tell ds's school as we are doing exactly the same next week Grin

SauvignonBlanche · 09/12/2010 19:52

Fuck him, what does it matter? Power-crazed loon! Grin

MaryMotherOfCheeses · 09/12/2010 19:52

Thank you! Blush

Sorry Koumak, yy, we get this when we've taken DS out of school for holidays, as in "unauthorised" but then the head adds that she hopes we have a good break.

Alouiseg · 09/12/2010 19:52

Meh, box ticking. Never ask for absence for a day or two. Just go sick, the school prefer it, it saves on admin.

Original poster
Koumak · 09/12/2010 19:55

I see, so it is standard to have it as unauthorised. It is my first time! I never heard that there was a form. I know one of the mums requested a day off last year as her Irish ( think!) family didnt take into account the English school term and booked something for the whole 10 cousins to do together and she was allowed to take her son out.
I am also annoyed because last year end of term there was price giving for best attendance etc. and soem of the kids were not there as they were on holiday already! Apparently the absence was only calculated till May!?

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MaryMotherOfCheeses · 09/12/2010 19:56

Ah, now prizes for best attendances pisses me off too, because at our school, sickness counts against you.

Angry
hocuspontas · 09/12/2010 19:57

It hurts the school more to have an unauthorised absence than you! I think he could have worded it differently but it would have been unauthorised at our school as well.

Original poster
Koumak · 09/12/2010 19:57

Still dont understand why he didnt say anything. He could've approached me there and then. He knows who I am. It is only 1 form entry school!

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Original poster
Koumak · 09/12/2010 19:59

I feel like challenging his letter and enclosing the invite!

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Original poster
Koumak · 09/12/2010 20:01

I dont know why he worded the letter the way he did though. When I asked what I should've said in my letter he said something like seeking permission bla bla so maybe he expected me to be "proper" and wants me to write again. I dont know. It is just irritating thats all.

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