[jandj]

We are going to Japan in June for two weeks and again in July to the US for two weeks.
These dates are during school term and my son is starting year 2 in the coming school year.

Would the teacher be ok with this? I will be talking to the teacher as soon as the school starts but has anyone done this. I feel guilty doing this but at the same time very excited about this 2 trips as my son and I have never been to these countries.

Thanks.

[howdo]

Just make sure you fill out the exemption form and you'll be sorted. It's not up to the teacher, you're his parents, it's up to you.

[gina70]

I can't see any reason why it would be a problem. As a teacher it happens a lot. I wouldn't see the teacher until closer to the dates though.

[baddmammajamma]

It seems to depend on the school.

Our school (as one might expect) encourages families to take holiday time during the sanctioned school holidays, but at the same time, they seem to be accepting of the fact that some families are going to take their children out of school for various reasons.

My daughter is starting Year 2 this year & my son will be in FYOS. I am taking them out of school for 2 weeks (on top of a 3 week school break) so that we can have some time with my parents and extended family in the U.S. in the American summer. We haven't been back in 5 years, and my kids are half American.

I plan to submit my formal "notice of leave" as soon as the new year starts, and I will certainly keep in close touch with my kids' respective teachers so that we can keep up with any time sensitive work.

Actually, I don't intend to go to great lengths to justify to the school WHY this trip is so important. We are responsible parents, and we -- like you -- are making a choice that we think will be best for our kids.

What a fabulous opportunity for your family to visit two new countries! Hope you have some wonderful travels!

[The 7 Dwarfs]

I don't think there is a year where I don't take my children out of school for a holiday. My children are generally healthy and don't have many days off. I think despite the holidays they average 2-3 days a term.

It has never been an issue, until this year when 1 of the 5 teachers my children have had some kind of issue with my DS missing the games, movies & parties last week of school to go on a cruise. The other 4 teachers thought it was fantastic.

They learn while they are away anyhow. My children now know about a different culture, which speaks in a different language and uses different currency etc etc.

[bye]

.

This post has been edited by bye: 29/03/2013, 03:04 PM

[marnie27]

I'd totally do it. You are giving the teacher plenty of notice and imagine all the learning opportunities he'll have on these trips.

[Ducky*Fuzz]

I'd make sure the school knew and if you were really worried ask for a bit of work. I think doing a bit of reading each night and recording his adventures would be good enough.

Travelling is a fantastic life experience and for two short periods like that, I'd have no hesitation in doing it.

Enjoy your trips

[*Lib*]

My DD is going to the US in the July holidays but it will overlap the last week of term 2. It doesnt't really matter to me what school thinks! Its a priceless opportunity. FWIW she's in year 3.

[~shannon~]

My DD is also starting year 2 in 2013 and will miss two weeks, maybe even three weeks in February/March as we are travelling away to have our baby and want us all to be together.

She never missed one day of school this year so I'm worrying a lot about what she may miss, but hopefully the teacher can give me some readers and homework sheets (or something?) so we can at least try and keep her up to date.

I know that the Australian curriculum is so tight now that it doesn't allow for any days off (not even days for sports carnivals, public holidays, etc), so when your school says "every day counts" they really mean it.

Travelling overseas will be a wonderful learning opportunity for your kids, so you should definitely go for it!