I agree, Foolestroupe, social interraction is important. I used to tell my kids that in the real world, you don't get to choose the people you work with so learn how to deal with the other students, even if they are jerks. I loved elementary school but hated high school. If anything, I learned how to ignore those that I didn't like and to nurture friendships with those that I did like. Generally, it teaches you how to get along in the greater society.

As far as vaccination and immunization, I agree with Peace, go to your school board and ask to see where it says that a child must present a medical record. In Canada, thats considered confidential information and to demand it would be an invasion of privacy. Nobody has to be immunized.

Donuel - Seems to me that your son's school does not believe that parents are partners in education. I think you should shop around. In kindergarten and grade l, here, parents are encouraged to stay in class for the first 40 minutes to read individually with children. We call it noisy reading time. Everybody is reading aloud and it is very noisy! Funny though, the kids love it and don't seem to notice the noise because they are concentrating on reading aloud.

If a parent wanted to come to class and observe their child, I would have to have a good reason to deny them entry or my principal would be having a very stern talk with me.

Its your taxes that pay for that classroom as well as the teacher's salary. You have every right to observe.

I'm surprised you still have school nurses. Our public health nurse comes by about once every six weeks. Her main job is to keep the medical manual current, and immunize the big kids for hep. She is considered a resource, not a member of the staff. If she has a concern, she sends a letter home but thats it. Hearing is screened in Grade l but that is done by the regional health authority.

How odd that in a country that vehemently rejects 'socialized' medicine, that schools would have a nurse. Who pays for her services? Tell her not to touch your kid without your permission. She sounds like a very invasive person.