Bulletin #14 | December 3rd, 2019

As the year comes to a close and Christmas approaches, we all receive an increased number of invitations to celebrations, festive lunches and parties.
All of these events are given with the best of intentions, and we all wish to enjoy this time of year. As parents, we also have the responsibility to consider these options for our growing children, and as a school it is only appropriate that we stop for a moment and encourage us all to reflect.

 

Adolescents are growing and maturing each year and for them the approach of Christmas offers new and exciting options. What was possible for them last year is not enough for this year, and each is looking for new ways to have fun and excitement.

This is really worth us all remembering as parents, because our children are still children, and no matter how mature they feel they are, we know that full maturity probably comes in their early twenties, long after graduation from school. Although we all know this, I am sharing it here because we all understand the pressure we are under as parents to let our children be ‘free’, and in so many ways we often forget the dangers that they may not be aware of that they are facing.

 

I am often asked if a certain party held in a house was an ‘official’ school party, as often explained by the students to their parents, and the answer is always the same: no.

Our school never offers parties or arranges events in the houses of families. In fact, any event offered or encouraged by the school will be announced to parents through our official channels and website and never by word of mouth. We do not arrange events away from the school campus and not advise parents this way. ‘Official’ parties to welcome students or to raise money or for whatever other cause are not official and are not offered by the school. We take tremendous care with medical, safety and security issues, and all our events are meticulously planned to provide the best and safest experiences for your children. Parties are not on our school calendar.

 

Often these parties offer the opportunity for children as young as in Middle School to drink alcohol and smoke. Our school does not support, encourage or permit the use of alcohol, smoking, vaping or other recreational drugs. This is not just because we wish to have rules, it is because the best medical advice, and laws, confirm the dangers and risks involved.

 

Our advice is for families to help their children and to make sure that they know where they are going at night, who with, and how they are celebrating. It is always a good idea to call the owners of the house and ask if they will be offering or permitting alcohol or other substances at the party, and if they will be present and responsible for your child. What actions are the owners taking to make sure that unwanted guests are not able to enter, and will they be ensuring that no illegal substances are used or under-age drinking will occur. This way you can make your choices on what is most appropriate for your own child, and to consider how safe they may be.

 

I would love for us all to have a wonderful Christmas, and to celebrate and enjoy ourselves in a controlled and appropriate way, so that we are all kept safe and to have a Christmas to remember, and not one to regret.

 

Debra Cortney

 

 

• IB Mock Exams for 12th Grade: December 9th - December 11th
• Personal Project and Extended Essay Work Week for 10th and 11th Grade: December 16th - December 19th
• Last day of classes before vacations - December 19th (absences count until this last day)