My parents evening questions #poetry

Yesterday was parents evening

The last of the primary years

I wasn't sure what the focus would be

Didn't know what I wanted to hear

But then, waiting in the corridor

Seeing parents earnestly questioning

I realised the only thing I care about

Is how happy Rachel is feeling

So I scooted up to the desk

Nearly knocking the table over

I smiled at the teacher I know so well

We were definitely in this together

"So is she happy?" is what I asked

"Yes always" is what I was told

"She's helpful and friendly and cheery"

What else matters in this world?

Of course I heard all the levels

And the progress and points to improve

But I'd heard in the first two minutes

All I needed to feel well soothed

At the end of the figures

And all the necessary stuff

I asked if there was anything I could do

"No, you do more than enough"

So we laughed about parents evening

Her teacher and I as a team

And rather than frowns as I left

I gave Rachel a massive grin

"You're amazing" was what I told her

"Working hard and are happy to boot,

I'm so proud of all you are doing"

That's all I want her to know as the truth

This poem I hope expresses what I value most about parents evening.  It's a chance to catch up with the teacher, check that they're happy, that Rachel is happy and that there's nothing I can do to help her in her educational progress.  I have never been concerned about the levels which the teachers are required to share; instead I am interested to hear that she's trying hard, being polite, is happy in her class and friendships and is increasing in confidence.  Apart from one year the teachers have so far always been pleased with our focus, (that one year we were told we should encourage her to asprire higher - she was 6) and you can see the relief that we're about collaboration.

If you would like a more informative post about the things you can ask at parents evening then you might want to visit this blog post by Diary of an Imperfect Mum for her thoughts as well