Sunday, July 29, 2012
Officially Homeschooling Family
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Unschooling Monday
Scienceworks is a favourite place for my kids to visit. Museums in general are always fun.
My girl is enjoying being out of school but concedes she is lonely. She would like to relate to those who don't go to school and have someone to hang out with. She is also becoming more self aware as she becomes a young woman. I am so glad she is at home and able to talk to us and ask questions. She is learning a great deal, despite the worries of well meaning others such as grandparents who want her to go back to school so she wont lose her intelligence or learning. Learning is inevitable. We had a good chat to Av's sensei who happens to be a life coach. He was amazed by her awareness and intelligence and maturity. Honestly so am I! I am constantly amazed by her and her brothers too.
Our 9 year old is seriously considering homeschooling and I hope that we will be a homeschooling family from next month. I feel that he is ready to embark on this journey. It has been a hard few months with him feeling conflicted. He has been told that he needs school to succeed yet he sees how much his younger brother is learning and doing without school.
Av is so interested in things, asking questions and has such an enthusiastic attitude to all that he pursues. His sensei says that his attitude inspires him. He can also see through people's arguments and words. I think when you allow your children freedom, choices and a voice, you learn so much from them and open up relationships where you can understand them as whole people now not just when they have finished growing. I believe that matters. It can be challenging but its all good. Av is enjoying karate and has improved so much in recent weeks. He is willing to talk to adults and children alike.
J is a chatterbox. His vocabulary is growing and his speech is improving. He still has trouble with the k/c sound eg. he used to say 'ar instead of car now he says tar. I wanna tum too (used to be "I wanna 'ome 'oo") I am sure he will get the hang of it soon enough.
Bub is walking, not too confidently yet but still taking a few steps often during the day at a time.
Friday, June 01, 2012
Roadtrip and bub turns one
12th May last year we met our 5th child, our 4th son.
Now one and standing alone and wanting to eat so much more than just what I am offering. He points and claps, says Dad (his dad is pleased!) and is still a baby to me!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Chess and dominoes
http://instagr.am/p/J7HFj_xmVA/
My daughter had been wanting some more clothing and having put her off for a few weeks to having to pay off the car registration, we finally had the chance to go to a few local opportunity shops. She managed to find an outfit she adores - cosplay is a term (as far as I understand it) used to describe costume play for people to dress as anime characters. The outfit consisted of cap, cardigan, tee, skirt, knee high socks and shoes. She did very well, I thought. I also scored Chess set, a set of dominoes, plus wetsuit. N set out to learn how to play Chess a couple of months ago and enjoys to play. The dominoes a hit too and I m going to have to get more.
My daughter is finding her time out of school a success and has no plans to return. She is enjoying drawing which is fantastic as she has a real talent for it that I believe went along the wayside as the school didn't do art so much.
I am wanting him to homeschool but he is not as keen so I am trying my best to support him as I am worried he is starting to feel conflicted. I think he has realised you don't need school to learn but enjoys even if it is boring, repetitive and easy for him. Or as he told me today "Its in the realm of ordinary." He is an autodidact and has the ability to discover things and learn on his own. Most of what he tells me goes over my head, being science and maths based.
J likes to write out J with the dominoes in 'monster' and other sizes.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Playing and learning
They can't help but learn. My daughter who would rarely ask me questions now does on a daily basis. Her new word today is "affinity". I love them asking questions because quite often I learn something new too.
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Life goes on
Its school holidays so its lovely to have my eldest son home. He is getting into Minecraft with Av (including watching walkthroughs and the history of on youtube) and exploring hypercubes. We have been able to go to the Museum, Scienceworks so far as well as supporting Run for the Kids last week. Easter saw them doing an Easter hunt.
Talz is enjoying drawing immensely, she likes My Little Pony the most at this time. J is talking in sentences and conversing a great deal. Day is standing on his own confidently.
My husband and I celebrated 13 years of marriage this week.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Officially Homeschooling
After the incident with my daughter's school, I have had many people understand why we took our daughter out of school. Homeschooling seemed to be the best option and I have been pleasantly surprised by the support we have received.
About a week ago, the school called telling me T was not at school in over a week.
Yes, that is right.
Why is that?
We are going to homeschool.
Do you know anything about it?
Yes *only been researching it for years and homeschooling already, also mentioned it previously at the school*
Oh, will get back to you.
We sent off the registration paperwork for my 12 year old and 6 year old that day. After the weekend, the school called again.
We are worried that T has not been at school.
We have registered to have her homeschool.
Oh, is it possible she return to school?
No.
You have to register with distance education.
No *explain how you can register in Victoria*
Oh, well, that is how the principal always does it, through distance ed.
No. *again explain the procedure of registering to homeschool in Victoria*
Well, we will have to involve DHS if she is not attending school.
We have registered her to homeschool.
Does she have her school books and curriculum?
Yes *not going to explain that informal learning is recognised in Victoria*
Ok, will talk to the registration board and the principal and get back to you.
What better way to learn, than on your own or with those who love and care deeply about you? We went to Scienceworks last week, we could do that every week if we would like to. We have time to talk, we don't have to sit still to learn. We can ask as many questions as we need to, we can find out the answers. We can spend as little or as long as we like on what we are interested in. We walked to the next suburb the other day, we were in no rush, we stopped at a playground. I love how my 6 year old can ask to rest at a playground, a rest meaning a play. We don't have to make plans to learn. Learning happens. All the time.
About a week ago, the school called telling me T was not at school in over a week.
Yes, that is right.
Why is that?
We are going to homeschool.
Do you know anything about it?
Yes *only been researching it for years and homeschooling already, also mentioned it previously at the school*
Oh, will get back to you.
We sent off the registration paperwork for my 12 year old and 6 year old that day. After the weekend, the school called again.
We are worried that T has not been at school.
We have registered to have her homeschool.
Oh, is it possible she return to school?
No.
You have to register with distance education.
No *explain how you can register in Victoria*
Oh, well, that is how the principal always does it, through distance ed.
No. *again explain the procedure of registering to homeschool in Victoria*
Well, we will have to involve DHS if she is not attending school.
We have registered her to homeschool.
Does she have her school books and curriculum?
Yes *not going to explain that informal learning is recognised in Victoria*
Ok, will talk to the registration board and the principal and get back to you.
A little while later...Sorry *contrite apology* Of course she can homeschool, just come and exit your daughter from the school....
Interesting that they believed that they thought they cared for her education more than her parents could and that somehow they felt they needed to give their permission. My daughter chose to attend your school and now she has decided with our support to no longer attend.
So after that, they promise not to bother us any more. Thank goodness. We then receive the registration the next day so that is a relief.
Meanwhile, I am feeling very confident with how we plan to learn with our family. I am absolutley amazed with how my 6 year old shares with me what he discovers, its just incredibly inspiring and wonderful. I don't really have words to describe it.
My 12 year old is so much happier and doesn't miss school at all. I feel so saddened that she didn't tell us how things were at school. Maybe she didn't know how to, or she felt like she couldn't because she chose to enrol, I am not sure. But I do know she is much happier now and I am enjoying our discussions, primarily on her body changes at this time. ITs an exciting experience for her at the moment and I am appreciative that I am available to her at this time. For our open discussions and hugs, its important. Relationships are under rated.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
My schooling experience (dorky photos included)
Do I think school has value? To quote JTG, School may have value, just not supreme value. School could be just a waste of time til you are an adult, can work and not burden other adults. Schooling is not so much about education as it is about obedience and learning only the basics.
In WA, school started at grade one. I was excited about starting school. I really enjoyed school,learning to read and reading to the teacher before school. At my school, there was a junior and senior campus.
I obviously learned how to read, write and do basic math. I also remember being called 'Fatso' and believing that I was fat though wasn't. Some time in grade 2 I did put on weight during the holidays and I was conscious of that. I was very quiet and always felt like an outsider. I was a lunch monitor once and after being trampled by the big kids at the canteen I cried and ran away, which resulted in me falling over and I have school photos with my knees with bandaids.
I had friends and we would often bring our dolls to school. I learned about this, that I was poor and most of my friends were not. I never had the latest toys, we couldn't afford it. My Mum was single and was not working. She was caring for three children, one was severely handicapped mentally, our father had left us when I was about 5 and was not a part of our lives at all since (and not much before either.) My two closest friends were only children and had an abundance of toys which was amazing when I visited their homes. They also both cried about attending school.
Another time I remember being locked into the toilet with a friend which was scary as a young child.
We were free range kids, roaming our local neighbourhood, building cubby houses in the bush (back when there was common land in suburbs).
In grade 4, we moved into the senior campus. The grade 4 teacher would kick me in the backside. I would say "Don't" rather timidly and he would laugh and mock me. It was at this time that I started to get frustrated with my friends who would boss me around and I had enough and from then on I started to not have regular friends.
In 1988 we moved to Victoria and I was glad in a way to leave that school. My brother and I spent a great deal of time at the local shopping centre as it was near the end of the year. We loved being free. He was put down a grade only because of his age. He repeated grade 4 and I was in grade 6. At the new school I was bullied and teased, again probably because we were poor. We were living with my grandfather and my great grandmother and uncle in a small house my grandfather built. I slept in the loungeroom with my brother. I didn't think my teacher was that smart but then she didn't think too much of me either. She never heard of the word 'fiend' and always corrected it with a 'r'. I was made aware she didn't really read my writing. She had her favourite students who were put up as an example to the rest of the children. We saw computer in our class to play Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? but I didn't get to touch it. My PE teacher was mean, always getting upset with me for my lack of co-ordination and skill in sport. She had us run backwards on asphalt which ended with me suffering concussion.
I was told later the level of education was higher in WA than in Victoria. It is believable.
I went to several high schools as we moved around in Victoria. I met strict teachers, kind teachers and some just plain mean teachers. My weight was an issue for some. I didn't mind school so much til about year 10. I had issues with so called friends so moved to another school and my teachers believed I would do better there because it was an academic high school with status. I was not happy there, the teachers didn't care or notice me much. So I was free to spend time in the library reading when I bothered going to school. My Mum never got notice that I wasn't attending class, or that I was failing. I started smoking, drinking, doing other things that were against the law. For a school that prided itself on academics and being the best, it housed very many unhappy students- anorexia, drugs, general unhappiness with themselves and with others, was very noticeable to me. I passed 3 out of 6 subjects. I don't know how I managed that as I was rarely in class. For one subject, the teacher cared enough to keep me in class for one lunchtime to complete the entire semester in less than one hour. So I know school is mostly a waste of time if you want to talk about learning. I went back to my old school after 6 months.
They accepted me into year 11 to do VCE. It was a struggle and I failed 3 subjects in the first semester even though I did pass a year 12 subject. It was difficult because I didn't have access to computers - year 12 students always had preference. I dropped a subject and I did better as I had more time. I grew up believing that I would drop out at year 10 and go on the dole, as was the thinking for most students who came from a low socio economic background. But at that stage, people changed their thinking and people especially as the VCE was fairly new and seen as helpful. Since everyone was doing it, maybe it didn't hold as much value anyway, especially compared to those who were actually getting work experience. This was a problem for many people who were studying trying to help themselves get work, without experience it wasn't enough to stop you from joining the dole queue.
TAFE was my only option so I did a writing and journalism course. Though it was interesting, there were many assignments I couldn't complete due to not having access to computers and I dropped out after a semester.
Growing up, I would be asked what I wanted to be. A teacher, a youth worker, some occupation relating to children. I really wanted to be a mother but that is not valued and not classed as a career. It didn't matter what I wanted to be, there was always someone who thought I was not good enough to do what I thought I could do. I was too shy, I was not suited to it and I wasn't a people person.
I love to learn. I like to research and I like to think about things in an in depth way. I learned far more outside school. People would say that school days are the best days of your life. Actually no, it was always the time outside school that I remember in a positive way. For me, school was not about getting good grades, learning or socialising. It was wasting time til it was all over and it was a memory of days I rather not go back to. I left school incapable of doing much , still very shy and without much to look forward to. I wish for better for my children. I love the idea of learning as a family, despite all those years of schooling, I still appreciate, welcome and adore learning.
I started school at 6 years of age in 1986, after 2 weeks in pre school. Sharing fruit is what I remember about pre school. My cousin took me and she then went to school. She is 6 months older than me.
I obviously learned how to read, write and do basic math. I also remember being called 'Fatso' and believing that I was fat though wasn't. Some time in grade 2 I did put on weight during the holidays and I was conscious of that. I was very quiet and always felt like an outsider. I was a lunch monitor once and after being trampled by the big kids at the canteen I cried and ran away, which resulted in me falling over and I have school photos with my knees with bandaids.
I had friends and we would often bring our dolls to school. I learned about this, that I was poor and most of my friends were not. I never had the latest toys, we couldn't afford it. My Mum was single and was not working. She was caring for three children, one was severely handicapped mentally, our father had left us when I was about 5 and was not a part of our lives at all since (and not much before either.) My two closest friends were only children and had an abundance of toys which was amazing when I visited their homes. They also both cried about attending school.
Another time I remember being locked into the toilet with a friend which was scary as a young child.
We were free range kids, roaming our local neighbourhood, building cubby houses in the bush (back when there was common land in suburbs).
In grade 4, we moved into the senior campus. The grade 4 teacher would kick me in the backside. I would say "Don't" rather timidly and he would laugh and mock me. It was at this time that I started to get frustrated with my friends who would boss me around and I had enough and from then on I started to not have regular friends.
In 1988 we moved to Victoria and I was glad in a way to leave that school. My brother and I spent a great deal of time at the local shopping centre as it was near the end of the year. We loved being free. He was put down a grade only because of his age. He repeated grade 4 and I was in grade 6. At the new school I was bullied and teased, again probably because we were poor. We were living with my grandfather and my great grandmother and uncle in a small house my grandfather built. I slept in the loungeroom with my brother. I didn't think my teacher was that smart but then she didn't think too much of me either. She never heard of the word 'fiend' and always corrected it with a 'r'. I was made aware she didn't really read my writing. She had her favourite students who were put up as an example to the rest of the children. We saw computer in our class to play Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? but I didn't get to touch it. My PE teacher was mean, always getting upset with me for my lack of co-ordination and skill in sport. She had us run backwards on asphalt which ended with me suffering concussion.
I was told later the level of education was higher in WA than in Victoria. It is believable.
I went to several high schools as we moved around in Victoria. I met strict teachers, kind teachers and some just plain mean teachers. My weight was an issue for some. I didn't mind school so much til about year 10. I had issues with so called friends so moved to another school and my teachers believed I would do better there because it was an academic high school with status. I was not happy there, the teachers didn't care or notice me much. So I was free to spend time in the library reading when I bothered going to school. My Mum never got notice that I wasn't attending class, or that I was failing. I started smoking, drinking, doing other things that were against the law. For a school that prided itself on academics and being the best, it housed very many unhappy students- anorexia, drugs, general unhappiness with themselves and with others, was very noticeable to me. I passed 3 out of 6 subjects. I don't know how I managed that as I was rarely in class. For one subject, the teacher cared enough to keep me in class for one lunchtime to complete the entire semester in less than one hour. So I know school is mostly a waste of time if you want to talk about learning. I went back to my old school after 6 months.
They accepted me into year 11 to do VCE. It was a struggle and I failed 3 subjects in the first semester even though I did pass a year 12 subject. It was difficult because I didn't have access to computers - year 12 students always had preference. I dropped a subject and I did better as I had more time. I grew up believing that I would drop out at year 10 and go on the dole, as was the thinking for most students who came from a low socio economic background. But at that stage, people changed their thinking and people especially as the VCE was fairly new and seen as helpful. Since everyone was doing it, maybe it didn't hold as much value anyway, especially compared to those who were actually getting work experience. This was a problem for many people who were studying trying to help themselves get work, without experience it wasn't enough to stop you from joining the dole queue.
TAFE was my only option so I did a writing and journalism course. Though it was interesting, there were many assignments I couldn't complete due to not having access to computers and I dropped out after a semester.
Growing up, I would be asked what I wanted to be. A teacher, a youth worker, some occupation relating to children. I really wanted to be a mother but that is not valued and not classed as a career. It didn't matter what I wanted to be, there was always someone who thought I was not good enough to do what I thought I could do. I was too shy, I was not suited to it and I wasn't a people person.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Don't listen to the Dreamkillers
Dreamstealers be gone! (Dreamkillers was actually a great Aussie band)
This wee k has been tough for us as a family. Unfortunately we have had many issues with my daughter's high school in the past few months. Primarily its just been lacking in professionalism and communication. It has been frustrating but I let it go because I was hoping they would prove to be okay and if my girl is happy that is the main thing.
On Friday evening at Karate, the sensei hosted an inspiring meditation session. The students were able to hold a black belt and imagine it was their own. What would the senses be like when you reached that level? Av and I both found this helpful. "Don't listen to people who tell you Karate is silly. Its not silly. Hold onto your dreams, whether its about Karate or anything in life, don't let people steal your dreams. Don't listen to the dreamstealers."
I have been asked a few times what is going on with my daughter and the school so hope to write a clear report for those are interested, I may forget some things, ramble and repeat myself.
Earlier in the week I received a phone call from the high school year7 co-ordinator. I didn't think high school would be like this. I got a phone call saying my daughter needs medical certificates when she is sick. I said that wont happen, which I could tell was not what she wanted to hear. The year 7 co-ordinator told me my daughter has detention for an hour. What for? For being late to school. I thought it ridiculous. What happens if students hurt others or property? Bully? Nothing aparently. Be late, go to detention, it continues you will be suspended.
She chose to enrol in high school. Homeschooling is a very real option for her and has been for a few years. Her primary school was respectful of her, didn't treat her like a baby and things were great. Anyway the year 7 co-ordinator hung up. I get a call from her 'colleague' telling me there should be no excuses for lateness. Condescending much?
I can totally understand they need kids to be at school on time but I have a problem with detention after school for an hour. What is my 8 yo meant to do while she has it? It sounds like more wasting time which is what school really is in my view.
Go back a few months, we went to the information evening which was terrible. Lack of info night is what they should have called it. I was never given a booklist or policy book etc. They messed up her uniform order and wouldn't give me a receipt. Messed up EMA, and were generally unorganised. We called in advance to make sure she didn't need a booklist and tell them we didn't receive any information. They told us the students do all their work on their netbook and needed no books. My daughter was embarrassed when all the other kids had books but she didn't. We never received anything from the school except a student process report for the first 4 weeks.
Also they send SMS to notify you about detention. We don't have a mobile! Maybe they can send it to my daughter. ;p
We see the year 7 co-ordinator at the school and she does not listen to anything we say -only says we have these very strict boundaries and policies. Insults our parenting (apparently we don't support her and don't understand that kids only need 8 hours sleep, should force her to do things and not offer choices.) and delves into double talk. She is so young, only 12 she says. Well why are you giving her detention. ?
They treat them like babies but then punish them for little things.
I told the co-ordinator, this can lead to my daughter no longer enjoying school, she chooses to go to school and this is ruining it for her. I mentioned homeschooling a few times....Oh that is not best for her as she is in the ACE program, repeating again that she is their best student. We want to do what is best for her.
I highly doubt it.
Only we as parents care enough to do what is best for her including giving her the choice.
It was obvious that she felt that her word goes and our opinion was not worth a thing. She said many things that didn't much sense such as "Your daughter is only 12." Then why punish?" This is not about your daughter" Then what is it about?
She rudely said she had to go back to detention, she was not willing to talk to us. She asked where ^T was, she should know if she was holding detention. She then told T what we were talking about (she should have been n the meeting) though twisting as if she is a baby, in particular "Do you like school?" T said she felt intimidated and knew she couldn't just say no.
She made it clear her policies were more important than the students.
I understand some people will say "What the school says, goes." This is why I don't want my daughter attending such a pointless arbitrary policy led school.
I am incredibly frustrated by how incompetent they have proven to be, they disrespect the students and wont communicate with the parents. My husband was in two minds, he hates the way we have been treated but does want her at school as much as he believes it is socialist nonsense. I don't understand that but at the end of the day we both want her happy. Aftermuch discussion,with each other and others, we can't (in good conscience) have her attend this school.
Expecting perfection from the students but being so hopeless as a school makes me livid.
After themeeting, my instinct is yelling- get her damn well outta there!!! For goodness sake, they are going to ruin her. They don't understand large family dynamics, or gentle parenting. Heck even people. Or communication.
Just so incredibly frustrated, irritated, and done with high school (thought it was bad enough when I attended myself).
PS Talz actually enjoyed detention! They copied paragraphs out of the newspaper, hmmm.
The school has a policy where 90% attendance is required, lateness isnot tolerated and only 25% pass rate is needed. I don't feel comfortable with a school who values students being at school but only being mediocre.
My daughter was in a primary school with high expectations. This was not laid just on the students but also on the teachers and the school. They didn't punish for being late or for wearing the wrong socks (though it is interesting the high school policy states dresses and skirts must not be shorter than 10cm above the knee but this is not adhered to since I continually I see girls wearing very short ones. But I digress). I am very frustrated with the school because of their incompetence and because they wont communicate with us. We don't argue that she is allowed to be late, we argue that 1 hour detention is excessive.
Government policy suggests a staged approach and detention should not exceed 45minutes (to be used to complete work),allowances should be made for students taking public transport and care for siblings. My daughters travels on train and bus with her brother.
The lines of communication between the school and parents are not open or respected. Giving detention does not prepare you for the workplace in my view, which is their argument (as is that th is their policy and they are strict about that), the workplace prepares you for the workplace! School is not the same. Being insulted about our parenting is not the way I would expect to be treated by a school that says they care about our child. I wouldn't expect a workplace to treat her with such disrespect, so I can't have a school do same. That is a lesson I think she needs to know.
I am not angry at anyone directly now. I feel I have the responsibility to care for my children and do what is best for them. I only have to discuss this with my husband as he is also responsible as a parent. I am grateful to this incidence as it has helped me to see that high school is not ideal for us. We are not going to conform as parents to their policy, our daughter's happiness is so much more important. I am grateful to this year 7 co-ordinator for telling us that we need to be offering parental guidance. So instead of forcing her to go to school (which she was referring to), we will guide her in her learning and she can be much happier doing it on her own terms.
Hearing the stories of other students who are cutting themselves and are very unhappy in the school, as well as another parent who has been making numberless complaints against the school to the point he must also homeschool.
I really enjoyed school except for the politics! I was bullied, unfortunately teachers were also bullies. I wont tolerate teachers who bully students and us as parents.
This is a short eplanation why we have decided homeschooling is a superior choice for us. The best thing we can do is to protect our children from being disrespected, a lesson I want my children to understand.
This wee k has been tough for us as a family. Unfortunately we have had many issues with my daughter's high school in the past few months. Primarily its just been lacking in professionalism and communication. It has been frustrating but I let it go because I was hoping they would prove to be okay and if my girl is happy that is the main thing.
On Friday evening at Karate, the sensei hosted an inspiring meditation session. The students were able to hold a black belt and imagine it was their own. What would the senses be like when you reached that level? Av and I both found this helpful. "Don't listen to people who tell you Karate is silly. Its not silly. Hold onto your dreams, whether its about Karate or anything in life, don't let people steal your dreams. Don't listen to the dreamstealers."
I have been asked a few times what is going on with my daughter and the school so hope to write a clear report for those are interested, I may forget some things, ramble and repeat myself.
Earlier in the week I received a phone call from the high school year7 co-ordinator. I didn't think high school would be like this. I got a phone call saying my daughter needs medical certificates when she is sick. I said that wont happen, which I could tell was not what she wanted to hear. The year 7 co-ordinator told me my daughter has detention for an hour. What for? For being late to school. I thought it ridiculous. What happens if students hurt others or property? Bully? Nothing aparently. Be late, go to detention, it continues you will be suspended.
She chose to enrol in high school. Homeschooling is a very real option for her and has been for a few years. Her primary school was respectful of her, didn't treat her like a baby and things were great. Anyway the year 7 co-ordinator hung up. I get a call from her 'colleague' telling me there should be no excuses for lateness. Condescending much?
I can totally understand they need kids to be at school on time but I have a problem with detention after school for an hour. What is my 8 yo meant to do while she has it? It sounds like more wasting time which is what school really is in my view.
Go back a few months, we went to the information evening which was terrible. Lack of info night is what they should have called it. I was never given a booklist or policy book etc. They messed up her uniform order and wouldn't give me a receipt. Messed up EMA, and were generally unorganised. We called in advance to make sure she didn't need a booklist and tell them we didn't receive any information. They told us the students do all their work on their netbook and needed no books. My daughter was embarrassed when all the other kids had books but she didn't. We never received anything from the school except a student process report for the first 4 weeks.
Also they send SMS to notify you about detention. We don't have a mobile! Maybe they can send it to my daughter. ;p
We see the year 7 co-ordinator at the school and she does not listen to anything we say -only says we have these very strict boundaries and policies. Insults our parenting (apparently we don't support her and don't understand that kids only need 8 hours sleep, should force her to do things and not offer choices.) and delves into double talk. She is so young, only 12 she says. Well why are you giving her detention. ?
They treat them like babies but then punish them for little things.
I told the co-ordinator, this can lead to my daughter no longer enjoying school, she chooses to go to school and this is ruining it for her. I mentioned homeschooling a few times....Oh that is not best for her as she is in the ACE program, repeating again that she is their best student. We want to do what is best for her.
I highly doubt it.
Only we as parents care enough to do what is best for her including giving her the choice.
It was obvious that she felt that her word goes and our opinion was not worth a thing. She said many things that didn't much sense such as "Your daughter is only 12." Then why punish?" This is not about your daughter" Then what is it about?
She rudely said she had to go back to detention, she was not willing to talk to us. She asked where ^T was, she should know if she was holding detention. She then told T what we were talking about (she should have been n the meeting) though twisting as if she is a baby, in particular "Do you like school?" T said she felt intimidated and knew she couldn't just say no.
She made it clear her policies were more important than the students.
I understand some people will say "What the school says, goes." This is why I don't want my daughter attending such a pointless arbitrary policy led school.
I am incredibly frustrated by how incompetent they have proven to be, they disrespect the students and wont communicate with the parents. My husband was in two minds, he hates the way we have been treated but does want her at school as much as he believes it is socialist nonsense. I don't understand that but at the end of the day we both want her happy. Aftermuch discussion,with each other and others, we can't (in good conscience) have her attend this school.
Expecting perfection from the students but being so hopeless as a school makes me livid.
After themeeting, my instinct is yelling- get her damn well outta there!!! For goodness sake, they are going to ruin her. They don't understand large family dynamics, or gentle parenting. Heck even people. Or communication.
Just so incredibly frustrated, irritated, and done with high school (thought it was bad enough when I attended myself).
PS Talz actually enjoyed detention! They copied paragraphs out of the newspaper, hmmm.
The school has a policy where 90% attendance is required, lateness isnot tolerated and only 25% pass rate is needed. I don't feel comfortable with a school who values students being at school but only being mediocre.
My daughter was in a primary school with high expectations. This was not laid just on the students but also on the teachers and the school. They didn't punish for being late or for wearing the wrong socks (though it is interesting the high school policy states dresses and skirts must not be shorter than 10cm above the knee but this is not adhered to since I continually I see girls wearing very short ones. But I digress). I am very frustrated with the school because of their incompetence and because they wont communicate with us. We don't argue that she is allowed to be late, we argue that 1 hour detention is excessive.
Government policy suggests a staged approach and detention should not exceed 45minutes (to be used to complete work),allowances should be made for students taking public transport and care for siblings. My daughters travels on train and bus with her brother.
The lines of communication between the school and parents are not open or respected. Giving detention does not prepare you for the workplace in my view, which is their argument (as is that th is their policy and they are strict about that), the workplace prepares you for the workplace! School is not the same. Being insulted about our parenting is not the way I would expect to be treated by a school that says they care about our child. I wouldn't expect a workplace to treat her with such disrespect, so I can't have a school do same. That is a lesson I think she needs to know.
I am not angry at anyone directly now. I feel I have the responsibility to care for my children and do what is best for them. I only have to discuss this with my husband as he is also responsible as a parent. I am grateful to this incidence as it has helped me to see that high school is not ideal for us. We are not going to conform as parents to their policy, our daughter's happiness is so much more important. I am grateful to this year 7 co-ordinator for telling us that we need to be offering parental guidance. So instead of forcing her to go to school (which she was referring to), we will guide her in her learning and she can be much happier doing it on her own terms.
Hearing the stories of other students who are cutting themselves and are very unhappy in the school, as well as another parent who has been making numberless complaints against the school to the point he must also homeschool.
I really enjoyed school except for the politics! I was bullied, unfortunately teachers were also bullies. I wont tolerate teachers who bully students and us as parents.
This is a short eplanation why we have decided homeschooling is a superior choice for us. The best thing we can do is to protect our children from being disrespected, a lesson I want my children to understand.
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Births
Unfortunately I am not keeping out with the blog, so much happens and I forget.
I have felt inspired to update the blogs of my freebirthed babies with finally Day's montage.
Day's birth
As well as photos to show how much J has grown over the past few birthdays (3rd,2nd,and 1st). He now has shorter hair and talks in sentences. Strong for a reason is my bet. This year he will be 4. He is often asked if he goes to school or Kinder sohe must look much older. At this stage we plan for him tobe homeschooling alongside his big brother. I am feeling confident about my children not going to school. We are slowly building upanetwork of likeminded parents and that has helped agreat deal. We even had a chat with a local who is considering homeschooling. Three of his children are at the same high school as my daughter and he isn't impressed with them either.
I am reminded why I don't blog too often, I ramble....
The birth of Freckle has been on my mind in most recent days. I was able to attend the blessingway and having some purple threads tied around my wrist helps me think of it.
I made the precious boy a breastfeeding beanie and I was honored to see it on him in some gorgeous photos.
I have been sporadically knitting and crocheting and my stash has dwindled. I have been busy and quite distracted doing various things.
My big girl turned 12 towards the end of February, she maturing in many ways, her hormones prove to me she is not a little girl. We went to a vegan cafe for lunch on her birthday.
I remember my daughter's birth.I remember the morning sickness I suffered during the pregnancy, how strange it seemed that antenatal care seemed pointless, how the doctors wanted me to abort our much wanted child in the case she may have a chromosomnal abnormality like my sister had. I remember how I was ignored through the labour and how they took over as my baby crowned and treated me with such disrespect that I didn't understand. I had no expectations or even a birth plan. I tore and the doctor took so long to repair it and this was a source of trauma for me as well as possibly the shock. I found the emotions of being a new mother incredibly overwhelming.
Such a gorgeous little soul, I look back and wish I enjoyed those moments more.I was unwell when she was a baby possibly due to the birth and depression. I had Graves disease and when she was a toddler, I had surgery to remove my thyroid.
I feel have made so many mistakes but I don't know it all and I will continue to learn.
I have felt inspired to update the blogs of my freebirthed babies with finally Day's montage.
Day's birth
As well as photos to show how much J has grown over the past few birthdays (3rd,2nd,and 1st). He now has shorter hair and talks in sentences. Strong for a reason is my bet. This year he will be 4. He is often asked if he goes to school or Kinder sohe must look much older. At this stage we plan for him tobe homeschooling alongside his big brother. I am feeling confident about my children not going to school. We are slowly building upanetwork of likeminded parents and that has helped agreat deal. We even had a chat with a local who is considering homeschooling. Three of his children are at the same high school as my daughter and he isn't impressed with them either.
I am reminded why I don't blog too often, I ramble....
The birth of Freckle has been on my mind in most recent days. I was able to attend the blessingway and having some purple threads tied around my wrist helps me think of it.
I made the precious boy a breastfeeding beanie and I was honored to see it on him in some gorgeous photos.
I have been sporadically knitting and crocheting and my stash has dwindled. I have been busy and quite distracted doing various things.
My big girl turned 12 towards the end of February, she maturing in many ways, her hormones prove to me she is not a little girl. We went to a vegan cafe for lunch on her birthday.
I remember my daughter's birth.I remember the morning sickness I suffered during the pregnancy, how strange it seemed that antenatal care seemed pointless, how the doctors wanted me to abort our much wanted child in the case she may have a chromosomnal abnormality like my sister had. I remember how I was ignored through the labour and how they took over as my baby crowned and treated me with such disrespect that I didn't understand. I had no expectations or even a birth plan. I tore and the doctor took so long to repair it and this was a source of trauma for me as well as possibly the shock. I found the emotions of being a new mother incredibly overwhelming.
My girl was born chubby and so healthy.
Such a gorgeous little soul, I look back and wish I enjoyed those moments more.I was unwell when she was a baby possibly due to the birth and depression. I had Graves disease and when she was a toddler, I had surgery to remove my thyroid.
Sunday, February 05, 2012
February in a leap year
I have no idea where I am at, but best to update. I have been still knitting and crocheting but not as much as usual. I had my birthday last week...I think. My 8yo told me I was 24 so I will take that. Been reading much into politics so that is heavy stuff. I have given up milk this year and also Hungry Jacks. I am not much into those foods anyway so it wasn not that hard. I watched earthlings recently so that has me thinking. I am vegetarian and since my husband has been watching vegan and juicing videos he has been eating better, though he still eats meat just less so. Anyway, been into watching political documentaries and thinking about the very important things in my life. I am not a religous person - in fact I don't feel comfortable with organised religion - though I have been thinking about my belief in God. I have never been an atheist though agnostic in some ways, I rather believe there is a God and Savior of this world. I try nt to think too much about how evil the world is because its true that those with power often abuse it, take advantage of it and corrupt the people. That said, would I? If I could make a world I wanted, would I? If it would benefit my family and I and maybe in my own mind, the community at large. I am probably one of the very few people who does not want for riches or power and maybe this is the reason why. I could say more but suffice to say I have been thinking about the value of duality and that we are all capable of good and evil and its up to the individual to make their own choices as best they can. To feel only happiness is against nature.
The two big kids started school last week. My daughter started high school. (She is 12 in a couple weeks).The school has been incredibly lacking in communication with us. We were told they would send us information, it never came. We called and they told us they didn't have a booklist. My daughter starts school and discovers the other kids had books. So past few days we have been searching for books when most stores have sold out. If the teachers tell my daughter off for something that is out of her control I will not be impressed. Meanwhile my boy started grade 4.
Av is home with us and he has plans for the year so its going to fun. J has started talking in sentences which amazes me since it seems to have happened to so quickly. He likes to copy Av saying things like "That doesn't make 'ense". At 40 months breastfeeding at least once a day.
Day is crawling everywhere, even up stairs and crusing. He likes to eat fruit everyday. He is a fruitarian but I think he would happily eat almost anything.
Its a short month, February but being a leap year so here's to one extra day!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Conehead hat
Since I have been having some trouble in releasing my overall pattern (actually its not even ready for testing) I hope that this hat will do for now. I am sure this could be made to any size by adding (or subtracting) increase rounds/sections.
9mm hook with super bulky yarn
Note: Join with slip stitch at end of each round and start with ch2 in each round
Start with 4 ch
Work 6hdc into first ch made,
Join with ss, start each round with ch2,
2hdc into each st,
Work hdc in each st
2hdc in first st, hdc in next til end round
Work hdc in each st for 2 rounds
2hdc, hdc in next two st til end round
Work hdc in each st for 3 rounds
Please respect my work and not sell this pattern. Feel free to do what you will with items made from the pattern.
mychildrensmother on Ravelry.
9mm hook with super bulky yarn
Note: Join with slip stitch at end of each round and start with ch2 in each round
Start with 4 chWork 6hdc into first ch made,
Join with ss, start each round with ch2,
2hdc into each st,
Work hdc in each st
2hdc in first st, hdc in next til end round
Work hdc in each st for 2 rounds
2hdc, hdc in next two st til end round
Work hdc in each st for 3 rounds
2hdc, hdc in next 3 sts til end round
Work one round of hdc
2hdc, hdc in next 4 sts til end round
Increase so there is sts divised by 4 (eg. 10x4 = 40sts in total)
Work one round of hdc
Work 2-4 rounds for band alternating 2 front post and 2 back stitches. (ie. 2fphdc, 2bphdc til end round) You could do dc stitches if you prefer.
Please respect my work and not sell this pattern. Feel free to do what you will with items made from the pattern. mychildrensmother on Ravelry.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Roadtrip - the Victorian coast
Victorian coast
Photos by my 8 year old son, when we went to Apollo Bay stopping a few places along the Great Ocean Rd, this is at the Round the Twist lighthouse. We have been doing a few daytrips most recently which I always enjoy and the kids like as long as there is plenty of food and fun places to visit. I took pics too with my own camera just not at the lighthouse - I was able to set up my Eye-fi card which is cool as I can have my photos on the tablet and the notebook. Its meant to share on FB but doesn't. I found it shares my photos taken on the tablet (and even uploads these to the notebook which I find amusing) but not the ones taken with my camera. Not sure how that works!
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Thoughts on vaccines
This is not really tongue in cheek, regardless of the way I portray myself as not trusting vaccines, but I am still curious.
So the people who are too sick or weak to get vaccinated are? And are those people, breeding grounds too like that some say my children are? Are my non vaccinated kids making my vaccinated kids sick?
My 6yo is still alive, he has more than survived, that is, he has not had a so called vaccine preventable disease despite him never been vaccinated. So I assume he has not passed on any diseases unless he is just a carrier which just doesn't makes sense to me.
This makes me wonder if it matters that the risk of my children getting any of these diseases that vaccines are meant to prevent is important. If the risk in my area is low and my kids are not in childcare and that children over 5 are not at risk as much and then a child who is breastfed is also protected, not to mention other factors that means our risk is low....? And even if the risk was high, is it fair for the individual family to make that judgement and choice and not the Government and medical profession?
So why vaccinate? In theory to potentially protect other children? Because other children are more important than my worries for my own children. And not to mention my 8yo is not well enough to get any more vaccinations due to what happened to him 7 years ago. I am still worried that could happen to my younger children and why should I risk that?
My eldest child is fully vaccinated for her age, yet she still has had far less needles than what most one year olds have been given these days. She was given breastmilk during each needle except at 12 and 18mths and 4 years since I was no longer breastfeeding at that stage. She was vaccinated by the early childhood nurse .Except for her 4yo needle which I organised because she was enrolling in school and I was not informed I could decline. It was just the done thing right? She yelled and screamed and cried and though embarrassing maybe she was right to fight it. I feel guilty for it. My eldest son was vaccinated at the council building which was just awful, the feeling I got when I took him for his one year of age should have stopped me that day. Children lining up to get their free stabs. Its cringeworthy the more I think about it. I was not informed I could decline. Just do it cos the Government would not offer it it was that risky. I feel guilty for it.
I was so undecided about vaccines for a while but decided to delay with Av and now he is over 6 and I am less undecided I guess. Two more sons and the youngest is 7months. My two youngest are still breastfed and I feel more comfortable about not vaccinating. I declined and refused to sign when I had Av saying I will delay til I feel more comfortable and then again with my 4th child. When I had my 4th child, the nurse seemed to be more convinced by what I was saying rather than what was in her book about convincing parents to vaccinate. She told me in an indirect way that I could take the vaccine pages out of the book as they would be useless to us. She gave up by the time I had my 5th and didn't even ask about vaccines. The woman is so stubborn, she even forgoes the medical profession and births on her own...sovereignty anyone?. Rights and responsibilities need to go hand in hand, support for people to choose for themselves would be nice though.
Maybe I am tempting the idea of someone convincing me to vaccinate but its yet to happen, there is no sense in their argument or logic to my sensibilities. I respect it makes sense to others but not to me. Maybe if ignorance was bliss then life would be easier. But alas ignorance is not.
So the people who are too sick or weak to get vaccinated are? And are those people, breeding grounds too like that some say my children are? Are my non vaccinated kids making my vaccinated kids sick?
My 6yo is still alive, he has more than survived, that is, he has not had a so called vaccine preventable disease despite him never been vaccinated. So I assume he has not passed on any diseases unless he is just a carrier which just doesn't makes sense to me.
This makes me wonder if it matters that the risk of my children getting any of these diseases that vaccines are meant to prevent is important. If the risk in my area is low and my kids are not in childcare and that children over 5 are not at risk as much and then a child who is breastfed is also protected, not to mention other factors that means our risk is low....? And even if the risk was high, is it fair for the individual family to make that judgement and choice and not the Government and medical profession?
So why vaccinate? In theory to potentially protect other children? Because other children are more important than my worries for my own children. And not to mention my 8yo is not well enough to get any more vaccinations due to what happened to him 7 years ago. I am still worried that could happen to my younger children and why should I risk that?
My eldest child is fully vaccinated for her age, yet she still has had far less needles than what most one year olds have been given these days. She was given breastmilk during each needle except at 12 and 18mths and 4 years since I was no longer breastfeeding at that stage. She was vaccinated by the early childhood nurse .Except for her 4yo needle which I organised because she was enrolling in school and I was not informed I could decline. It was just the done thing right? She yelled and screamed and cried and though embarrassing maybe she was right to fight it. I feel guilty for it. My eldest son was vaccinated at the council building which was just awful, the feeling I got when I took him for his one year of age should have stopped me that day. Children lining up to get their free stabs. Its cringeworthy the more I think about it. I was not informed I could decline. Just do it cos the Government would not offer it it was that risky. I feel guilty for it.
I was so undecided about vaccines for a while but decided to delay with Av and now he is over 6 and I am less undecided I guess. Two more sons and the youngest is 7months. My two youngest are still breastfed and I feel more comfortable about not vaccinating. I declined and refused to sign when I had Av saying I will delay til I feel more comfortable and then again with my 4th child. When I had my 4th child, the nurse seemed to be more convinced by what I was saying rather than what was in her book about convincing parents to vaccinate. She told me in an indirect way that I could take the vaccine pages out of the book as they would be useless to us. She gave up by the time I had my 5th and didn't even ask about vaccines. The woman is so stubborn, she even forgoes the medical profession and births on her own...sovereignty anyone?. Rights and responsibilities need to go hand in hand, support for people to choose for themselves would be nice though.
Maybe I am tempting the idea of someone convincing me to vaccinate but its yet to happen, there is no sense in their argument or logic to my sensibilities. I respect it makes sense to others but not to me. Maybe if ignorance was bliss then life would be easier. But alas ignorance is not.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Grade 6 graduation
After 7 years at school, plus Kinder, my daughter still wants to do more. This is the one who was asking to go to school at 16 months and thought carrying a backpack meant she ws ready. My boys were not so keen to go to school though now my 8 year old loves school though for a different reason. My girl is very social though she tells me she is the quiet one in the corner at school. I find this hard to believe as she is outgoing and has no problems talking to people or interracting and is looking forward to being in the high school play and doing debates and public speaking. I see she is more like her Dad in some ways but quiet like me but only when it suits her! As a toddler she would even go and talk to strangers but she never ran off to do it. My eldest son is going into grade 4 next year and he is very much into the academic aspect of school rather than the social one. He is not fussed if he has friends and just wants to learn. I find it interesting they both have plans for the future, its not something I thought much about at their age apart from just wanted to be older. Their reports were fair. I understand its not in the interest of the school to be that honest in the reports, they want to be kids in with their age groups even if they are ready for harder work. For example, my son loves maths and knows a lot that hasn't been taught at school so its just revision for him. He excelled at reading and writing this year and he was tested as reading at the 15 year old level which is just about on par with his sister who reads at a 14.7 year old level. I must say though, if they want to attend school, I am glad it was the primary school they are at. It is a state school with enough funding so we never have to worry about fundraising, its an open learning school which basically means there are no real classrooms and my daughter this year was in the Independent Learning Program which was set up for the students who were ready for working on their own. She was also in the SRC which shows her leadership skill. In saying that, my 6yo is not keen on school, he is so free and not ready to be moulded I guess you could say. My girl is excited about starting year 7 at the high school next to the primary school so its not going to be too different, just a new building with new teachers. She knows some of the older students and her best friend will be in year 8 so I try not to worry! The campus is year 7-9 so is not a huge school, probably not much bigger than the primary school so I m happy about that. Still very nervous,, its probably my memories of my schooling that makes me feel that way.
It was amazing to see my daughter graduate primary school, it was made very special and I am glad the school put so much effort in to the event.
Christmas day was spent with family and the kids were as always spoiled with gifts, of course getting what they really wanted from their parents, which is a real joy when you hear "Thankyou Mum" and "Merry Christmas, you are the best" "When I am dead, I will still remember you" (N) and "159 points"(A). Oh yeah! So I guess the stress is worth it. Not a huge fan of Christmas for the consumerist event it has become, with its confused Christian/Pagan view on it. I just think its hard to remember what its all about when it seems all about the gifts these days.
So as the yeaar 2011 comes to an end I am grateful for my family, my husband and my children especially as they have been always there, we love to spend time together, hope that never ends through all the stages we go through. I so enjoy the learning and growth of each child, each stage, each dynamic, its amazing to me.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
A fortnight before Christmas
Its coming towards the end of 2011, where did the year go?
My blog doesn't like me so I have not been keeping up at all. Some tasks are difficult on the tablet but I don't have a PC to use atm. I could use my daughter's computer or even her netbook but they are so slow! I feel spoiled with this new technology. I find t interesting that I have almost 10 things (Kindle, tablet, media player, netbook and a few christmas presents!) hooked up to wi-fi but I don't have a PC that I can use...without giving up cos its useless! My PC actually fell asleep and doesn't want to wake up, maybe due to a cpu issue.
My daughter starts high school next year and to be honest I m very nervous about the prospect, I rather she stay home and skip the whole social awkwardness of high school but she is not me and she loves school and her prime reason for attending is to be with her friends.
Christmas is almost upon us, Av has been asking how many days - he can only count to 12, which is interesting as J can count to 10. Av didn't really count or talk til 4 so he is busy learning dfferent things.
N is getting very much into technology and he is not a little boy anymore. Still very much a reserved person, he enjoys reading and dreaming about tech products he could invent or own.
Bub is 7 months today, crawls around the house, loves to pull himself up to stand, getting into mischif and mouthing anything he can reach. He likes food and I am trying to keep him on just organic fruit and veg but he is so wanting to eat it all.
Hopefully I can work out the best way to add photos. I have been creating, a few Christmas things and slowly working on other projects.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
The Greater Good
▶ THE GREATER GOOD on Vimeo: Couch Mode
I had tears watching this. Its been over 7 years since my little boy reacted to a series of vaccinations 2 days before 1 year of age.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Melbourne Aquarium
A day out with my Mum and my children at the Melbourne Aquarium on my mother`s birthday.
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