Lawsuit against a school teacher

[abrzakovic]

I have some serious problems with Chatsworth School (Orchard campus). My son was treated really bad, and push out from the school for no reason at all.
Schools counsellor declared him as child with development delay, even if he has a great results. This is a 8 year old child who had a bit hard time growing up, and its not easy for him to adjust to new environment. We just came 3 months ago, he was going 2 months into school, never put it his or anyone's life in danger, loves everyone around....but is pushed out because he is interrupting to much the class...
Anyway, there is a lots of lies and bullsheat going on there, Please someone tell me how I can take that School counsellor actions to court.

I need to make a point! We are spending a fortune on this schools, and they can do what ever they want without even justify their actions.
They are damaging our kids, and making a really bad stamp in their young lifes. This has to be addressed legally!

[scarbowl]

Certainly it is an upsetting situation. But I'm guessing there is a lot more to the story. My suggestion is that you spend your energy finding the right educational environment for your child and not one minute on a vendetta against the school. Chatsworth is a profit-making business and would not expel a child without a substantial case. It's not in your child's interests for your attentions to be diverted from his/her needs in taking out your anger in this way.

[PNGMK]

I understand what you're going through - you're dealing with a not unusual problem in a 'for-profit' schools. For profit schools such as AIS, CIS, Chatsworth, OFS, GIIS are only interested in making money for the owners, the students welfare is way down the list. I would recommend you look at 'not for profit' schools such as ICS, SAS, UWC etc

There is however an advantage in this in your situation, that is the owners (i.e. the shareholders) and the board (or governers) do not want to lose money and do not want negative publicity. It is this group that you should attack; not the teacher. Teachers in For Profit schools work under incredibly stupid rules that are about saving money, not helping the kids. Sue the owners of the school or at speak to them.

[abrzakovic]

Thanks to your reply. I really appreciate it.
I am not after personal vendetta, but what is happening its just not right to any child, not to mention child who was having hard growing up (this is a child, who was abandoned by his father, and he was wittiness of his dad almost killing his mother-me). I am not ignoring anything, and we are working on the problems with outside psychologist. The so called counselor of the school, made a meeting with us mid of October, demanding that he gets help from outside specialist. And we did. I repeat, he was not aggressive towards anyone, just sometimes distracted, to emotional when he's being rejected by his classmates. Anyway, after 2 weeks of outside therapy (only 3 sessions), she alone made a decisions to push him out from the school, saying that nothing changed.....(2 weeks). When I went again to outside psychologist - recommended by them- she was shocked with their action. By the way, no word from principal. Just 2 meetings with counselor. Does she supposed to have the power to do that with by her self?

[PNGMK]

Thanks to your reply. I really appreciate it.
I am not after personal vendetta, but what is happening its just not right to any child, not to mention child who was having hard growing up (this is a child, who was abandoned by his father, and he was wittiness of his dad almost killing his mother-me). I am not ignoring anything, and we are working on the problems with outside psychologist. The so called counselor of the school, made a meeting with us mid of October, demanding that he gets help from outside specialist. And we did. I repeat, he was not aggressive towards anyone, just sometimes distracted, to emotional when he's being rejected by his classmates. Anyway, after 2 weeks of outside therapy (only 3 sessions), she alone made a decisions to push him out from the school, saying that nothing changed.....(2 weeks). When I went again to outside psychologist - recommended by them- she was shocked with their action. By the way, no word from principal. Just 2 meetings with counselor. Does she supposed to have the power to do that with by her self?

I certainly would be challenging her decision by speaking to the principal. The management structure of Chatsworth is here;

http://www.chatsworth.com.sg/page.cfm?p=361

If the principal doesn't offer much hope I would then consider your next option - i.e. do you want your money back or what? At this point I would speak to a lawyer. Just remember these schools are very sensitive to negative publicity and will not like this story published.

[jk21]

While I cannot offer any insight or advice on how to work with Chatworth, if you are looking at other schools, the 2 schools that made my short list were Integrated International School (IIS) and The Winstedt School. IIS is in the Clementi area while Winstedt is more central.

I found that both the for-profit and the not-for-profit schools here in Singapore very adept at not enrolling kids who need extra support. Don’t get me wrong, some schools offer some support but not nearly enough to satisfy the need. Schools are allowed let our kids fall between the proverbial cracks. (in support of this parent and others reading this posting, is there a 3rd or 4th school that you would add to the list of schools that offer additional supports?)

Opting for IIS or Winstedt was not what we had in mind when coming to Singapore. We are here for a few years, so whatever school we chose was going to be a transition. We are choosing a transition with added supports so that we are prepared for our next location.

Continue to be strong and advocate for that little guy of yours.

[QRM]

There is always two sides to the coin, I know of a case where one parent had to take her child out of a school because she felt one of the boys in the class was such a disruptive and negative influence on her child. Could well be other parents have complained about his behaviour and the school had to make a decision based on what would be best for the whole class. You may have become used to your child behaviour but to other parents and children it is very distressing.

When you say he was pushed out of school for "no" reason it sort of hints of denial. I am sure the school would have a reason...and the sooner you accept that the better you can focus on getting the child the support he needs. I mean the very fact that you have to say "my child has never put another child life in danger" is already a very worrying statement to make!

I agree with other poster the best solution would be to find a school or environment that would be more suitable for your child. Getting upset with a school that cannot cater for his needs would be counter productive for both you and the child.

[abrzakovic]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate all your support. I will try to speak to the principal.

And reply to the question, no of course they will not give any money back. And in the situation we are now, I don't know how we will manage to get money for some other school, or which school will accept him now after all of this.
Just to mentioned, he was going back home to a main stream school, and did not need support. His learning is great and above average. He is very sensitive and emotional, just need some time and understanding to adjust.
He is suffering so much right now, because he knows what is going on. He cries, and says he loves that school and friends even if the friends are not really good to him. Can you imagine what will this do to him! Pushed out from the school and again, new school, new environment another adjustment...

I am really angry at all situation because its not right to any kid! And I was told she is doing this kind of thing quite a lot.
As a family we are really crushed right now. Came here recently, because we couldn't find a job back in Europe, at least not the one which will gives us conditions for normal life. Now we don't know what to do.


For user: QRM
Manager

I understand your point as well. And I am not saying that he is perfect and ignore any issues. But are this school for children of the same standard? And what is that standard? Where is written description of what type of kids should go to school. We are all different. Life is not always fer to everyone, and as humans, didn't we supposed to help each other? Yes, he has hard time adjusting, but we just started to work on that! You can expect complete change in 2 weeks. At least give him a chance! Thats all!

[jk21]

I wrote more via a Private Message. As a new member, I hope that it reaches you. If you cannot access it, do a reply post to let me know. jk

[abrzakovic]

I got your message. I will try to reply with personal message.

Thanks

[PNGMK]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate all your support. I will try to speak to the principal.

And reply to the question, no of course they will not give any money back. And in the situation we are now, I don't know how we will manage to get money for some other school, or which school will accept him now after all of this.
Just to mentioned, he was going back home to a main stream school, and did not need support. His learning is great and above average. He is very sensitive and emotional, just need some time and understanding to adjust.
He is suffering so much right now, because he knows what is going on. He cries, and says he loves that school and friends even if the friends are not really good to him. Can you imagine what will this do to him! Pushed out from the school and again, new school, new environment another adjustment...

I am really angry at all situation because its not right to any kid! And I was told she is doing this kind of thing quite a lot.
As a family we are really crushed right now. Came here recently, because we couldn't find a job back in Europe, at least not the one which will gives us conditions for normal life. Now we don't know what to do.


For user: QRM
Manager

I understand your point as well. And I am not saying that he is perfect and ignore any issues. But are this school for children of the same standard? And what is that standard? Where is written description of what type of kids should go to school. We are all different. Life is not always fer to everyone, and as humans, didn't we supposed to help each other? Yes, he has hard time adjusting, but we just started to work on that! You can expect complete change in 2 weeks. At least give him a chance! Thats all!

In this situation with no money (and I believe you should be able to get a refund - even a partial one for the rest of the year) you might have to put him into a local school for awhile. Does your boy speak and understand English well enough to go to a local school? Don't give up - I personally think this is utter bullshit that Chatsworth would do this without more consultation with you but it really doesn't surprise me - Chatsworth, OFS, CIS all are the same - just driven by greed. My wife is a teacher at a not for profit school - if you're really stuck send me a PM and maybe she can talk to you as well.

[PNGMK]

There is always two sides to the coin, I know of a case where one parent had to take her child out of a school because she felt one of the boys in the class was such a disruptive and negative influence on her child. Could well be other parents have complained about his behaviour and the school had to make a decision based on what would be best for the whole class. You may have become used to your child behaviour but to other parents and children it is very distressing.

When you say he was pushed out of school for "no" reason it sort of hints of denial. I am sure the school would have a reason...and the sooner you accept that the better you can focus on getting the child the support he needs. I mean the very fact that you have to say "my child has never put another child life in danger" is already a very worrying statement to make!

I agree with other poster the best solution would be to find a school or environment that would be more suitable for your child. Getting upset with a school that cannot cater for his needs would be counter productive for both you and the child.

I can well imagine a profit centred school pushing a kid out for 'no reason' and keeping the funds. It ties in exactly with my wifes experience in an (un-named) for profit school here.

[abrzakovic]

Its just so not right for the kids! They are suffering! What are we teaching them!!!

[PNGMK]

1. Have you rung the principal of the school today?
2. Have you written a letter demanding an explanation to the principal?
3. Have you made an appointment to see the principal?

Until you do one those things - right now - there is no point continuing this discussion.

[abrzakovic]

Yes I did sent an e-mail asking for a meeting. Still no reply.