Overload of school activities in December

[shebird]

Perhaps it's just my pre Christmas meltdown but I am so fed of of all the extra activities that the school before Christmas each year. This year seems to be particularly packed leaving both me and DCs frantic and exhausted. So far this month we have had

School fayre (this is on a school day afternoon)
nativity for each DC (these are expected so no issues there, although some are evening performances involves some late nights)
2 home clothes days (donations for school fayre and charity)
2 charity days (involving dressing up)
1 school trip
1 historic theme day( costume required)
Class Xmas party for each DC on different days (party food items to be taken to school for each day)
DD2 inter school sporting event
DD1 poetry day (come to school to listen to childrens poems)
Arts festival (items to be brought to school and also open afternoon of looking at their art work)

We are only half way through December! Is this just total bad planning by the school or is this the norm in other primary schools.Just wanted to know before I mention it to the school.

Don't worry. You won't get any of this once they start high school. All DD has had is en of term tests and huge amounts of homework.

Blimey that sounds a lot

dd1 shool fair was sat middle nov-dident go bit early for me.

last week they had xmas school lunch no differnt really to ormal school dinners.

They hae had3advent church services which school take them to parents welcome no obliation to attend wet to last one on mon.

yesterday wole enture school trip city centre panto apart from parent helpers we paid last month and had to pick them up much later so again no hassle.

ks1 had nativity but mines ks2 they offer 2performances.

im sure last year pta did discos but not this year.

its xmas party thur we bring i party food/party dress so no school diners or paked lunches that day again noral drop off pickup no parents needed.

friday break up carol concert afternoon followed by optional mulled wine/mince pies in hall run by pta.

ohh last week school coir went local nursing home gain no parents needed for that.

What very lucky children, must have devoted teachers.

Happy Holidays all!

Gosh shebird do my children go to your school?

It's 7 a.m. and usually by now I'm feeding the troops. I woke up at 6:30 thinking it must be 5:30 - it's absolutely silent as the grave here.

I think I have two absolutely exhausted DDs. I'm so pleased we have broken up from school now! We can all do with the rest.

Enjoy a restful Christmas break everybody! I'm enjoying a quiet coffee & a read of MN education

Ds2 in secondary school had an orchestral concert involving an overnight stay (very expensive as ds3 and I both went and stayed overnight) a Christmas dance (tickets) and closing assemblies x 5 at which he was playing (no parental involvement except new shirt)

Ds3 had:-

Christmas fayre (donations for hampers, raffle, bottle and cake stalls, entrance fee and big spend there)

Christmas concert - one daytime and one evening performance (donation only)

Carol service - in the evening, (donation only)

Pantomime - the group came to the school to perform (£2 per child)

Dress down day - (£1 per child)

Christmas party - (donation of food)

School Christmas dinner

He also has parties and pantomime visits with his extra curricular activities. These cost more than the school ones.

Parents do not have to attend any of these, it is their choice. Ds3 was to wear a Christmas jumper and hat and scarf for his concert. I sent a brightly coloured fleece as I was not buying new. Children would not be excluded from anything if they did not donate or pay but it is expected.

The teachers and PTA put in a huge amount of work to enable these things to take place and the ds's and I love it. It is an education in itself and, in my opinion, every bit as valuable as sitting writing or doing maths. They have watched DVD's a couple of afternoons but surely this is to let them chill out or have a little rest during this busy time.

I would be most annoyed if any of this was stopped because parents complained. If it is too much for any child then ask that they don't take part.

Have a happy Christmas

'What very lucky children, must have devoted teachers.'

There is that.
My kids' school is great, they have a huge amount of fun, and in particular they have a dynamic new head who is very good at making stuff happen. I think my capacity for excitement is lower than hers, though, unfortunately.