I hope you are well.
We've all had a bit of a tough evening in regards to James's school report coming home today - to say I'm disappointed in what was written as well as how he was measured in terms of work ethic and social interactions is an understatement.
I've pulled out James's school reports from Year 1 all the way through and honestly it feels like he has taken several back steps with Amanda Tunks teaching him this year.
I'm sure she is a wonderful new teacher, but as far as I'm concerned she is young, naive and inexperienced when it comes to dealing with children with special needs and James's report is evident of this.
I've sent James's reports back to school tomorrow for you to compare - reading his reports while he was under Vicky Mamas compared to when he was being taught by Jacqui Fine and now Amanda Tunks is very chalk and cheese.
James's results last year and the year before under Vicky Mamas clearly indicates that not only was she a competent teacher who identified what James needed, but that James trusted her to let down his guard and show off what he really is capable of achieving. Year 4 semester 1 report is very clearly indicating that not only is Amanda not clear on what James needs, but that he doesn't feel comfortable with her or trust her. Tonight he has made it clear he doesn't feel like he can approach her and I believe the 'screaming incident' that took place a few weeks ago has really made James wary of her.
I do believe we are on a better path to giving James what he needs but I am genuinely saddened that Amanda's lack of understanding and ability to deal with James has been negatively reflected on James's report that is after all about James and not Amanda.
For nearly 2 years James has been expressing himself beautifully through HSIE and Creative Arts where is is evident from his report that this avenue of expression has been shut down for James.
I also note a massive regression in terms of social skills scoring on the back of his report and I wonder if Amanda for one minute stopped to consider that perhaps James being bullied by Aaron would have an effect on his confidence socially - marking him down for a situation that is out of his control hardly seems fair, especially given that we (at home) have been massively focusing on teaching him social resilience over the last few months given the situation with Aaron and I see he has been marked down for social resilience - I'm speechless to be honest.
As far as him being marked down drastically on independent learning skills well, I disagree whole heatedly and refuse to comment any further given that I believe Amanda's inability to cater for James's needs in the classroom are directly proportional to her assessment of his ability.
I understand that moving class half way through a year is impossible and also that moving schools is my prerogative as I was informed by Ms Ierace when I came to the school a few weeks back in regards to the 'screaming incident', so I'm going to be very frank and bottom line with you on this.
I strongly feel that James's needs have not been catered to by the school despite my numerous attempts to work with the teacher in question however because we have successfully navigated the school with a previous child and do strongly feel good things for the school, I am willing to hold off on seeking further advice from the DOE in regards to everything that has been happening and hold off moving schools at this point.and will give Amanda Tunks the benefit of the doubt and believe that she now understands better what James needs and is being educated in terms of ADHD needs children and will provide a better classroom learning environment for James next term.
James took the drop in the results on his report very much to heart, I'm not sure if/how this may affect his time at school tomorrow/interaction with Amanda Tunks.
Please understand that despite me being a protective parent with a child who clearly needs assistance that he potentially hasn't been getting, I am also a very logical person who understands limitations in regards to the DOE and finances etc - I'm not expecting special treatment of James, I'm simply asking for understanding that he functions differently and asking for adaptation where possible to enable him to function at his optimum and make achievements like every other child.
I really do appreciate your time and assistance - thank you.
Kind regards
Colleen
Colleen
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