viewpoints

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Home : 2000 : November : 25

viewpoints
By Cathy-Dee

First of all congratulations!

A lot will depend on your community and your school. If you are in a private school or a catholic school or a small community you may have some problems to deal with. Not only from a parental
viewpoint, but also a contract viewpoint. So you probably want to talk with your administration soon so that both you and they are aware of any potential problems or not in regards to your contract, etc.,
Now if it is only parental and student viewpoints that could be a problem, but may not be either. I would suggest again talking with your Principal to see what he/she suggests.

They may be aware of others in the division who have faced similar situations who could be helpful in giving you ways they dealt with the situation, etc.,

We have had two teachers on staff who are single parents. One has two children and is single and the other had a common-law husband. And my school does have a Catholic background (we are both public and Catholic). I'm sure there were a few parents who did not appove, but I never heard of any problems.

My advice is to not make it into a big announcement with a note or announcement sent home, etc., Your students will notice soon enough and when they start to ask questions just answer as honestly and openly as you want. Let them know you are expecting and looking forward to having a baby. They may or may not ask you about being married and you can just tell them that you are not getting married right now. You don't have to go into details and most kids will simply accept that you are expecting and be excited for you. If you are from a large community chances are you have children from single-parent homes in your class and probably most of the parents will not react in a negative way. If you are from a small town it will depend on whether or not they have something else to talk about and make a mountain out of. (Can't tell I'm from a small community can you?).

Even if a few parents do ask questions or disapprove, etc., your Principal should be able to handle it and it will blow over soon enough. And both your parents and students may just surprise you by being very supportive of your decision.

Enjoy these months ahead and best wishes for your future as a Mom!!!!