Transferring from private to state - things not to say to/ask the Head.

[thedolly]

I have a meeting with the Head of our catchment primary school (5-9) next week.

So what things shouldn't I say/ask the Head if I want to give the right impression.

It's beginning to feel like a bit of a soap opera now - this is my 4th thread on the same topic . I nearly posted this in AIBU .

However it does have the potential of being quite a funny thread and it may even help me from committing an unwitting private/state faux pas.

Thanks.

Nothing like a good mantra, dolly. Now keep repeating that until Wednesday.

fwiw and if it's any consolation dh attended a well known private school known for its high standards but had parents who did little to make him work at it: he failed his A-levels and it was only when he met me that he really started reading books.

I was educated in a state school in a small backwater where you got bullied if seen with a book and where the three careers on offer were shelf-stacking, the assembly line and portering at the mental hospital. But I had parents who were profoundly excited by learning. I'm the one who ended up with the Ph and the umpteen foreign languages.

Thedolly are you Jordan?

Ask her if she wants some of your spare cash.

Cheers Cory

What Monty?

It's the intellect of your post. WTF? Headteachers are headteachers, schools are schools, whether you pay for them or not.

If you want to impress her/him ask if they would like a donation? Non? You know, for the poor people.

Wanting to impress and wanting to give the right impression are two different things - non?

I've enjoyed reading what I've seen of your threads thedolly,
and it's going to be interesting to see how your DCs get on, and how you feel about the new school later.

I do want to say though, about the aspirations, that there are many uninspired children with little aspirations in private schools. My DH works with quite a lot who's success at school is irrelevant to them, their future already mapped out. They're going to be fine however they do, as they will take over the family business/get employed by high powered family friends etc. The school seems to be a prestigious place to kill time....I am talking about (some, not all obviously) children from backgrounds with a lot of money though.

Thank you paislyleaf, that is kind of you to say .

I'm not sure if I have the courage to post a follow up.

I can understand that

thedolly, I really hope that all goes well for you on Wednesday and that your leap of faith into the state system is rewarded by a positive experience.

I fully understand your desire to make a good impression. I too would want to make a good initial impression on a person who will be a part of my DCs and my lives for many years. I think some of the mean responses you have had on MN come from bad first impressions, so it's reasonable to try and take steps to prevent a similar problem with the headteacher.

Good Luck - and I do hope you'll pop back to let us know how you get on. I'm always impressed with your willingness to engage in (a sometimes combative) discussion, to express your point of view - even when it's not one I share.

pirabbit, so you won't mind if I quote you if I do 'pop back' then?

I agree with piprabbit.

thedolly. I think you've had a really hard time on this thread.

Mentioning private education on mnet is a red rag to a lot of bulls (or should that be cows )

I read your op as being sweet and slightly naive, but nothing that justified the subsequent mauling. I think the headteacher will be touched that you care enough about your child's education to even want to ask.

Actually I don't think there were hardly any comments against private education. The objections were to the op's thoughts about state educated children on this thread and her previous threads. ALso the op's misguided beliefs about nice buildings and trees.

Quote away, I'm big enough to handle the fallout