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View Full Version : Ouch- new school terms suck the wallet dry!


Beka
01-08-2008, 10:02 AM
Can I just have a small :eek rant here?

School is back in, Chase has been back a grand total of 2 days and already i have notes from here asking for...

$110 for flute lessons for the term
$120 for the residential trip she signed up for in September
$10 for a field trip

Why, oh why do schools wait to ask for these things so soon after christmas? The residential they asked for deposit ages back and then nothing until now- and full payment is due in 11 days time! :nannybooboo

I know they are all optional things she doesn't have to take part in (well all accept the field trip- but that's volantary payment only but they make it clear it'll be cancelled if enough people don't give and i feel attrocious, no matter how broke we were, not paying in for it- I was raised you need to be shuffling the sidewalk in your bathrobe broke to not pay your own way.) but NONE of the things are frivalous- the flute lessons, you can't really knock aquiring a life long skill like playing a classical instrument, and you can't get lessons at that price anywhere but at school (I realise I'd pay around 5-10times more for private lessons). The residential trip? It's morale building, it's physical, it's a good way for her to "blend" with the rest of her year group when she otherwise stands out being on the gifted program, it's not a bad price but it is still $120 so close to christmas.

And my main issue? $120- like i said, nothing for weeks and weeks (despite asking) and now due in 11 days, the flute payment- no mention at ALL since september and now suddenly letter today, needs paying by friday, field trip- letter monday, needs paying by friday- so that's around 1/3rd our weekly income gone for 2 weeks running before we've done any bill paying or grocery shopping. Why do they not give prior notice or better warning about this?

I think the main issue is she goes to a school in a "better" area (and therefore majority of students living in the better area) than we live in, therefore I suppose finding $120 in a week when daddy earns alot, lot more than us doesn't even make the majority of the parent body blink. I guess we always knew we'd have to struggle to send her to a school in the nicer area so she'll ultimately benefit (now I am really, really going to have to save better for the years I have Jude, Dyl AND Loks all at that school together!!!!)

bloombaby
01-08-2008, 11:11 AM
:hugs I'd contact the school and see if you could set up a payment plan. I do that for parent's who's kids want to go to our district KEy CLub convention and, even though I"VE warned the kids since Sept (don't find out the price until LATE December) of what the price could be...I still have kiddos that don't communicate that with their parents until the old letter comes home saying what's due and when.

THe worst that they could say is NO, and if they are willing, that might give you a little more time to spread it out :hugs

Beka
01-08-2008, 11:17 AM
hmm good thinking- i may do that!

Kate
01-09-2008, 06:28 AM
I was going to suggest asking about a payment plan.

The fact that Maia's school does it all the time isn't really a big help to you in terms of locations, but realistically, schools do see these things as an investment in the kids, and the fact that you are also wanting those things and are proactive in finding ways to make it happen mean that I can't see why they would say no.

Jenny
01-09-2008, 02:34 PM
I know our schools are good about accepting a couple of cheques, you should really look into it

but :hugs and ouch!

Beka
01-09-2008, 03:38 PM
ohhh it's gets better- she came home today with another letter for another $10- this time they have a youth theatre director coming in to drama club

bloombaby
01-09-2008, 04:15 PM
have you heard anything about doing a payment plan?