Hi All
My niece is getting married next year in March, and we would like to go home to New Zealand (where I'm from - hubby English - kids 1/2 n 1/2 
) for this.
It would mean taking the kids out of school for 3 maybe 4 weeks.
My Mum and sister live in NZ, and it is my sisters daughter who is getting married. I have missed out on most family occasions over the years and really don't want to miss this. I missed my dear Dad's 80th birthday in 2008, and he died the following year. I couldn't have been more distressed. I don't want to just go home for funerals!!! I also had to go home for the funeral on my own and this time I really want to go as a family.
My dear Mum is now in her 70's and realistically this could be the last time she sees the boys because going home on a regular basis is financially impossible, and she has said that she doesn't think she could come this way on her own which is understandable.
I am thinking of approaching both the boys schools now, to start making arrangements and to hopefully have permission granted. DS1 will be in Year 9, and I know that this is a very important year for him, but he is willing to take any work he needs to to keep up. DS2 will be in Year 5.
As it is a one off situation, do you think that the schools will be OK?
Any advice or experiences will be gladly received.
Cheers