Unknown new teacher for September -just found out

[Maxiebaby]

Am I right to be annoyed at my DD's school's disorganisation/lack of communication and the impact that has on the kids and parents?

We were told last term by newsletter that DD's class was having a new teacher (ie completely new to the school) when they move into year 1 in September. The kids have met her briefly though to us parents so far she was just a name.
Today I found out on the grapevine, quite by chance and only 2 weeks before the start of term that this teacher has in fact turned down the job and we are getting someone else.

There was no indication the appointment wasn't definite so firstly I feel we have been misled. Secondly I am cross that the school cant inform us formally by letter of something as major as this. Surely we shouldnt have to find out about this on the grapevine, (which means some mums may not find out at all of course).

It seems very unsettling for the kids to come in on the first day of term and not even know the name of the teacher let alone have met her! My DD's class had supply teachers for long periods in reception so I am worried about more instability and uncertainty for them, and am unimpressed with the school's lack of organisation and communication (sadly only too typical).
DD had a hard time with her reception teacher and we wanted to be more confident about the year 1 teacher. Now we have nothing at all to go on.

Am I overreacting or do you think this is acceptable in what is supposed to be a good State primary?

To be fair I guess the school may only just have found out and they may be planning on advising us properly, but I really dont know.

We were disillusioned with the school last year and hoped things would improve this year, but this is not a good start!

'To be fair I guess the school may only just have found out and they may be planning on advising us properly, but I really dont know.'

No, you don't know, so yes you are over reacting imo. I can understand you would want to know, but given the circumstances you probably won't be able to.

YABU.

You mention the impact it has on parents. I'm trying to think of what that could be. The impact on the children will barely register. It's not like the teacher left after a few weeks into the start of term. And even then it wouldn't be the end of the world.

You know YABU. Try to enjoy the rest of the holidays!

Agree with the others. No need to sweat about it. The new teacher will be perfectly capable of introducing herself to the children and getting to know them. The fact that they briefly met someone else last term will barely register. And you don't know either of them, so there is no difference really, apart from the name.

YABU Agree with others, school is shut etc.

Well Ive taken a chill pill and come down off my high horse.

You are right ladies. It is not the school's fault and it is the middle of the holidays after all. Its true that DD's class has had a lot of instability in teachers and TAs, and I was worried about this continuing and so overreacted. But the reasons for the changes have been unavoidable (illness/jury service)and in fairness the school found a fabulous supply teacher the children really took to.

As I said to DH last night, all that really matters is that the new teacher, whoever she may be, is a good one and the kids like her.

Apologies for overreacting (and yes I guess I did know I probably was), but with a first child its sometimes hard to know how schools operate and what is 'normal', so it is great to have the benefit of your greater experience and wisdom.

Well done for coming back and taking it on the chin . Hope your DD enjoys school.

Thanks Cocolepew.
Should have known better than to react immediately before taking a few deep breaths!
DD seemed very happy at school by the end of the year (after some tough times earlier) so fingers crossed she'll have a great year.

I BET your daughter really likes her!