Back to School

Whether your child is starting their first day of school or returning to school after the holidays, it can be pretty overwhelming for them and separated parents. How are you to navigate this journey?

Choosing the School

For those children starting school for the first time, the first step for parents is to choose the school, if they haven’t already done so. It is important for you to know that both parents have the right to decide which school the child is to attend and ideally both parents should agree. If either parent unilaterally enrols the child in a particular school, the school will only look to that parent for all communication and school fees. If a parent does go ahead and enrol the child without the other parent’s consent and the matter was ever to go to Court, the Court will not look at this favourably. On the other hand, if you are the parent refusing to consent, you better have a good reason for doing so and note that the school can proceed with the enrolment without your signature.

First day

Your child must already be feeling quite anxious on their first day and you don’t want to make it worse with your problems as separated parents. Ideally, the best case for your child would be if you both could drop him/her to the school gate, but reality is that sometimes the conflict is so high that it’s best not to. If you cannot drop your child off at the school gate together, try to arrange it so that both parents can take turns to say bye at the school gate. Perhaps, one parent can drive the child to school and say bye at the gate handing over the child to the other parent. This way, both parents get to wish the child and your child can start off the school year in a positive way.

School/Tuition fees

Parents should discuss with one another how school/tuition fees will be shared. One parent might be more financially stable than the other and might offer to pay the full amount. In most cases, parents might agree to share the school fees. Whatever the arrangement, make sure to start the conversation early and come to a clear agreement.

Extracurricular Activities

In relation to extracurricular activities, there are those activities that your child has an interest in and there are others that either parent might want to enrol the child in. Parents should support their child’s interests. If there is an activity that you want to enrol your child in, discuss this first with the other parent to see if they agree as it could impact their time with the child and may require the other parent to take them to and from the activity. Both parents have a right to attend and watch their child play any extracurricular activities. Make sure you speak to the school and find out the timetable for any extracurricular activities that your child has enrolled in.

School Uniforms

Depending on the arrangement the parents have in relation to the care of the child, parents might decide to share the school uniforms. However, if there is a high level of conflict between the parents, it is best for each parent to buy their own set of school uniforms to use when they have the child in their care.

Informing the School

Tell the school that you have separated. It is important for the school to know so they can help and support your child when necessary. Make sure you provide the school with your contact details so that you each receive your own copy of school reports, newsletters, information about parent teacher interviews and any other information. This way you don’t have to rely on each other to provide the necessary information.

Communication

Finally, get into the world of IT and download an app to communicate with the other parent. There are several great apps out there that can help you both keep a calendar for school excursions and activities, send messages, keep a track of expenses related to the child and make a note of all deadlines. Like all other parenting arrangements, communication is key.

If you have questions relating to parenting matters and your children returning to school, please contact Solari and Stock on 8525 2700 or click here to request an appointment with one of our experienced Family Law Solicitors.

Article written by Shweta Kumar.
Photo by Agence Olloweb on Unsplash