Things Fall Apart
It's inevitable. And then we pick up the pieces and move on.
Some of you may be wondering why you haven't been able to read my last post. It's because I took it down. Because leaving it up would have been irresponsible. A bit like dipping your feet into a lake you already know is infested with piranhas...
That said, thank you, Gina & Vanessa for your comments.
In the meantime, you may have seen one or two tweets in which I mention that we're looking for a house to rent. Well, we're not looking anymore. We've found a place in Kensington and will probably be moving next weekend. It's not a spectacular place but has a lot of potential and I'm sure we'll be able to live there comfortably.
Finding a school for the kids to go to isn't going so well. The 4 schools closest to the new house have all turned me away before even giving me a chance to apply, telling me that they don't have space. They're all about to find out, though, that I'm not going to go away just like that. My research into the Gauteng Education Department's admission policies indicates that they need to have some pretty good reasons for refusing us, and being full does not qualify as such a reason. So, while I will be looking into other schools, perhaps a little bit further from our home, I'm certainly not just going to be told, "Sorry, we can't accommodate you."
I am a bit concerned that the school that is technically closest to our house is not up to the task, though. I took a drive out there today to pick up application forms and have a look at the place, and I have to say I'm not really happy. The grounds look unkempt and the builings dilapidated and I only saw 1 white child there.
I have no problem with my kids attending a mixed-race/mixed-culture school. In fact, I'd prefer that they be exposed to a variety of cultures in their school careers. But you cannot tell me with a straight face that being 2 out of the only 3 white kids in the entire school is not going to have a negative impact on my kids, or that they won't be singled out or picked on on some level.... So I'm seriously hoping we'll be able to get them enrolled in another one of the local schools with a slightly more balanced mix of races and cultures.
What do you think? Am I wrong? Am I being prejudiced? Would you send your children to a school where they would virtually be the only kids of their particular race group or culture?
Some of you may be wondering why you haven't been able to read my last post. It's because I took it down. Because leaving it up would have been irresponsible. A bit like dipping your feet into a lake you already know is infested with piranhas...
That said, thank you, Gina & Vanessa for your comments.
In the meantime, you may have seen one or two tweets in which I mention that we're looking for a house to rent. Well, we're not looking anymore. We've found a place in Kensington and will probably be moving next weekend. It's not a spectacular place but has a lot of potential and I'm sure we'll be able to live there comfortably.
Finding a school for the kids to go to isn't going so well. The 4 schools closest to the new house have all turned me away before even giving me a chance to apply, telling me that they don't have space. They're all about to find out, though, that I'm not going to go away just like that. My research into the Gauteng Education Department's admission policies indicates that they need to have some pretty good reasons for refusing us, and being full does not qualify as such a reason. So, while I will be looking into other schools, perhaps a little bit further from our home, I'm certainly not just going to be told, "Sorry, we can't accommodate you."
I am a bit concerned that the school that is technically closest to our house is not up to the task, though. I took a drive out there today to pick up application forms and have a look at the place, and I have to say I'm not really happy. The grounds look unkempt and the builings dilapidated and I only saw 1 white child there.
I have no problem with my kids attending a mixed-race/mixed-culture school. In fact, I'd prefer that they be exposed to a variety of cultures in their school careers. But you cannot tell me with a straight face that being 2 out of the only 3 white kids in the entire school is not going to have a negative impact on my kids, or that they won't be singled out or picked on on some level.... So I'm seriously hoping we'll be able to get them enrolled in another one of the local schools with a slightly more balanced mix of races and cultures.
What do you think? Am I wrong? Am I being prejudiced? Would you send your children to a school where they would virtually be the only kids of their particular race group or culture?
posted by MamaMeeA at
10:12 PM
9 Comments:
I am so glad you've found a place, its going to save you a fortune on travel costs!
That said, its going to suck not having you round the corner from me anymore.
Strongs for the school hunt my friend. I understand where you're coming from.
Is it silly to hope that one day life will be more than just picking up pieces? I keep hoping.
I am not sure about the school thing, there are so many things that bug me about schools. But I know home schooling is not the answer for everyone. Sorry not much help at all
I don't think you're wrong - good like finding the right school.
This was one of the reasons we moved the kids from their previous school! The balance was off!
Legally a school may not turn you away - so keep fighting!!!
I was also told that at the school my kids were at but I begged them to let me at least full in an application form, shed a few tears and eventually got the call 2 weeks later!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!!
I agree with you. Your children is most definitely going to be singled out in some way if they are 2 out of the 3 only white kids in the school. You are not racist in thinking this way, just logical.
Hope you come right soon with the kids and schools.
That's an interesting point you bring up, and something I should remember when we get to the having kids and sending them to school part :p That said in some areas some kids will always be the minority, and do you want to go out of your way to get them to school? I think of my aunt-in-law who drives her kids to Chinese school, because of what you mentioned, I just think all the time lost is a waste.
Good luck with the move - sorry to hear things did not go to plan. I would rather get a school with a more balanced ratio for bullying and standards.
Kensington in Joburg? I might help you, grew up there
I'm glad you found a nice place to stay and good luck with the school issue. I can pretty much guarantee that if the balance is off your kids will get bullied. I hope you manage to find a school with a good balance and with decent teachers.
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