Genuine question

littledonkey

I'm wondering how can I go about starting after school program for kids. I've contacted number of primary schools in order to book appointment with Principals but I'm basically told by secretary to go away e.g. Over a phone: leave us an e-mail, phone number we will contact you (I see that happening) or when I'm at the school asking for a meeting with the Principal - oh s/he is not there...

What is going on? I know I'm a stranger, not a parent but with good program that can enhance kids intellect and education but no one seems to be interested. And even when I leave my proposal at the secretary desk it probably never gonna make it to Principal's desk. So.. Can anyone please advise what can I do to make the program actually run or at least talk to Principal - secretary seems to guard Principal like a Holy Grail.

Thank for any advice.

byhookorbycrook

The school secretary act on the instruction of the principal, so if s/he says to leave details, then you hear nothing , the principal isn't interested. Principals are inundated with callers, everyone from the educational text reps to the local football/rugby/chess club coaches, parents who "just want a quick word" so even though the secretary usually ends up being the one saying the principal isn't available, it's not up to the secretary.

Do you mean you want to run it after school on school premises? Are you going to charge for it?


Many schools don't have space for outside after school stuff. (A teacher might choose to run something in their own room, but most staff don't want "strangers" in their room, to be honest.)

littledonkey

> Do you mean you want to run it after school on school premises? Are you going to charge for it?

Yes. That is the idea. I have all the equipment and educational materials and aim to run it for one full term, if there will be a will from the school to continue I can do it on more advance level for another term but having just read your post I don't think there is any chance of it happening. The activity is indoor and yes I would need to rent a class or a hall way. And yes there is a fee for this activity. Slim chance?

> most staff don't want "strangers" in their room, to be honest

Thanks for pointing that out. I had no idea..

byhookorbycrook

littledonkey wrote: »

>

> most staff don't want "strangers" in their room, to be honest

Thanks for pointing that out. I had no idea..

It's often because there might be reward charts, corrections, roll books etc. ,things specific to the children in the class and the chance of stuff being moved/mislaid.

pooch90

You'd probably be better off looking for a community hall tbh.

gabsdot40

Write a letter to the board of management outlining your plan

Chickus

Its a bad time of year to be trying to get in touch with a principal. .over the phone is usually a waste as principal is not usually in office. .ours is super busy attending meetings etc st this time of year. . Lots of schools have outside teachers teaching drama, dance etc akong with their own teachers doung football etc.. all competing for time and space after school..
Get name of principal. .send letter. .make appointment to meet him/her etc
She might give you the space and everything else is up to you ..
What is the program/curricular area..are you garda vetted?