Worried Mum

I am currently stressing out regarding BJ's education and I just don't know what to do.

I have had a lack of communication from BJ's teacher or school regarding how he is coping at school. I took it upon myself to speak to BJ's teacher about how he is doing on the first day back of term 2 and got told that he has serious learning difficulty in many areas which were noticed quite early on.

When i asked why i hadn't been informed of these things, his teachers response was she was just " too busy". I have and am still continuously stressed about his situation.

BJ is in year 1 and I was told that he has serious reading difficulty, has troubles with learning his sounds which contribute to his slow pace in learning quite alot. I was told that he every spelling test he cries and refuses to do it. This breaks me heart that his teacher didn't think to contact me as soon as this started. This began in the first term. 

In my opinion he stresses out in the test environment, but it really was a shock as he was and has been fine practicing his spelling at home every night. 

I was just told last thursday when i asked his teacher what reading level he is currently at that he is at a Level 3. I know that by the end of kindy their goal is to reach a Level 8 and by the end of year 1 to reach Level 18. I have no idea why they didn't think it was urgent enough to speak to me about it. 

As you can tell i am seriously worried about him. A couple weeks ago I completed a volunteer reading course which will enable me to volunteer at schools and help teach children with reading struggles. I have spoken to the Principle, Vice Principle, School Counsellor and his Teacher. 

I really get the feeling that his teacher just doesn't care. BJ's teacher in particular every time i have spoken to her she has always stated that she is just too busy to help him. Last thursday at our meeting I was expecting some sort of action plan to be put in place to help him, instead i was told again of his struggles and told to help him at home.

I have asked for specifics, resources and have received no help. I am more than happy to help my son but I just do not know where to begin. I may be over reacting to some but I am so very worried about the quality of his education.

I have already had an interveiw at another local school, I can't possibly afford to hire any help and can't stress enough how worried I am.

Tracy, thank you so much for having the time to speak to me breifly about BJ it means so much and I really needed the opinion of a teacher.

If anyone has any suggestions for me, please I am more than happy to hear them

Ebz xoxo

Parihaka Kohu 13.05.54 - 27.04.07

Well this has been very difficult and I am sitting here at Nikki's because I have culled my internet & home phone and the timing couldn't have come at a worse time.

On Friday 27th of April I got the news that my aunty had suddenly passed away. I had been in an interview that was a waste of time and had turned my phone off. To come out of that and get such news was even more heartbreaking as my father had been trying to ring me.

I still do not know how it happened, all I know is that it was very sudden. Aunty was 4 years younger than my father, and they were very close.

I always visited aunty Haka everytime we went home. She always loved to see the kids, and hear how things were, she was always very geniuinly interested in what was going on in our lives.

I know for a fact it hasn't sunk in for me. I don't know when it will, being so far away hasn't helped me with my grieving. I don't think I will beleive she is gone until I go home to visit her doorstep and she wont be there.

I know this will be hardest on all her children and moko's. She would always brag to dad that she had more moko's than him, always brought a smile to my face, but never made me want anymore children lol.

I had been thinking about her alot lately. About what I will talk to her about when we finally moved home. She was very knowledgeable. She knew alot about the family and for that I am so sad not to have found out more from her. I was wanting to go home and pick her brain on our family history, family stories, anything really.

My heart is breaking for obvious reasons but I am really worried about my cousin. She is one of my closest cousins and I couldn't get a hold of her over the weekend. I miss her all the time and my heart is aching for them all. 

Also for my father. He was extremely close to her. I heard that when she was buried it rained. My father said she hid his tears for him by bringing the rain. I really miss everyone back home and can't wait to get there!

Uncle Ian my heart breaks for you. Your darling has gone to heaven and is in a better place. Love you

In memory of my Aunty Haka. Love you always & forever.

Ebz & family xoxo