Yesterday I got a call from the school notifying me that my sweet daughter was in the health office with a fever and would need to be collected as soon as possible. So, I hurried over straight away. When I entered the health office I was surprised to see that it was a complete health facility with several private sick bays. I was taken into one of the rooms where I found my little girl propped up lovingly on pillows, her shoes had been carefully removed and the nurse was holding a damp cloth to her head.
It was such a stark contrast to the way sick kids were treated at our public school in Australia. There, ill children were sent to rest on a plastic lawn chair behind the teacher's Xerox machine. The front office receptionist monitored them via CCTV.
Our experience yesterday could not have been more different. There was an actual nurse (who, by the way, has the most beautiful, soothing Irish accent) who offered medical advice, walked us out to the car, wrapped a fluffy white towel around my daughter and reminded me to call her if I had any questions or concerns.
Of course, most public schools couldn't afford the space or staff for a complete health centre. But it was the compassion, caring, and kindness shown to my daughter that really impressed me. And those are the things money just can't buy.
Wow, what a lovely way to treat children who are not feeling well. We are thinking more and more about switching to a private school next year. I will leave this choice up to my daughter,who has already been through plenty of transitions in the last couple of years, but I do feel like her school just doesn't have enough staff, and communication has been pretty poor with them. So glad it is working out well for your family!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, are you sure you meant that last line?
ReplyDeletewow, that is quite the service :)
ReplyDeletehope your daughter is feeling better!
Visiting from POTM HH UK. Thanks for sharing your story. I recently expereinced something very similar at my daughter's private school.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you feel you are in a good place - transitions can be hard but it sounds yours is going well! I hope she is feeling better.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up to Post Of The Month Club! It is great to have you there. XOLaura
Wow, Jenny, that is just extraordinary! No wonder you were impressed. I would have been, too. Visiting from POTM. J x
ReplyDeleteThe timing of this is perfect! The kids were just telling me yesterday how they would never even ask to go to the office if they are sick here "because they'll just send you back to your class and never call your parents." Eye opening! I hadn't heard about the lawn chair. Hope she feels better.
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