Maternity leave - replying to student emails

[lambwool]

I work in a secondary school and I am currently on maternity leave. I've had a couple of emails from students asking how I am and how the baby is. Would it be crossing boundaries to reply to them, all through school work emails? I will be returning to the school and likely to teach some of these students again.

I wouldn't.

I think it would be okay to send one brief email. Alternatively, you could ask your HoD or similar to pass on a message that you've had a girl/boy and everyone is doing fine.

If you're worried, then maybe check with a line manager first as to how it would be viewed. I wouldn't enter into a long conversation, or send pictures or anything.

As long it is through school email it’s fine. How lovely of your students to ask how you are!

Just a brief email thanking them for their email, saying that you’re well and that you’re looking forward to coming back to school in (date) - keeping it professional and brief - that is all they need to know.
Good and thoughtful of them to ask - it shows you’ve made a real positive impact on their education I think.