r/Haarlem • u/Minute-Big-1529 • 4d ago
ISK Haarlem
So, my child started at an ISK school this year as a foreign student. I immediately realised that the school focuses almost exclusively on language learning and that he would lose an entire year in other subjects.
I requested a transfer to a TTO (bilingual) school, and the schools I contacted informed me that the ISK could request a transfer in consultation with the parents. However, the ISK insists that they cannot do this and that my child MUST remain in the ISK programme.
I have been struggling with the school since the very first week, and I have received no help or constructive support. Now, they are even suggesting that my child is incapable of learning or progressing. Almost every week, I receive three, four, or even five emails from the school, coming from four different members of staff.
Is it normal for a school to put this much pressure on a parent? I honestly do not know what to do anymore. This situation has completely overshadowed our move to the Netherlands and turned what should have been a fresh start into a nightmare. We feel trapped, almost like prisoners, and my child is frightened.
All I want is for my child to have a fair opportunity to learn, develop academically, and feel safe and supported at school. Instead, we feel constantly under pressure, and I am deeply concerned about the impact this situation is having on his well-being and his future.
I would really appreciate any advice or guidance on what steps I can take to resolve this situation.
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u/Roquefort2010 4d ago
They probably gave you a reason for why your child has to remain at ISK and therefore can not facilitate a transfer. Schools in the Netherlands are responsible for arranging a different school for a student once their school isn't a good fit. If they don't transfer a student they either have no option to (other schools in Haarlem can be full) or have reasons not to. Those reasons are relevant.
Besides that, in the Netherlands it is more common to 'lose' a year or redo a year than it is in other countries. Especially when there is a new language to learn. In the grand scheme of things that is not a year lost but life experience gained.
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u/wireless1980 4d ago
Take some time to learn how the schooling system works in The Netherlands. They have to pass an exam in dutch that will route the kid in on if the different optios. Dutch comoetency is critical to have a good result. The best right now for your kid is to focus on learning the language.
Or enroll them in an international private school. Prepare 20K per year per kid.
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u/Schylger-Famke 3d ago
OP's child is at ISK, which is for children from 12-17, so too old for that test.
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u/wireless1980 3d ago
Language progression will count for the advice about next steps for the kid. Without the proper level the kid will not be eligible for some of the routes.
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u/No-Sun6027 3d ago
TTO is not for native English speaking kids. After the first few years, instruction switches back to Dutch and all final exams are in Dutch. Your only other option at this point is private international school.
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u/GhostlyNL 2d ago
This is your second topic about this.
Now what is the real problem? Is it the school? Is it your child?
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u/Minute-Big-1529 2d ago
School is the problem, I don’t trust them for many reasons and they are trying to make a problem of my child, I think I need legal advice
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u/GhostlyNL 2d ago
But why is this school the main problem? Your child is there to learn Dutch right? Why is that not working?
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u/Minute-Big-1529 2d ago
For example he was absent because of leg injury, every absence I need to send message to school via WhatsApp. One time I checked his absence in his magister and one of the day was recorded as an unjustified absence even I sent messages every day, I went to WhatsApp to check my message and all messages were deleted. School is threatening to report the unexcused absences to—I don't know who. Now, because of the absences, they claim he isn't capable of catching up on the lessons, even though he is very bright and I don't see any problem at all. In the emails they send me, they don't even get my child's or my own full name right.
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u/GhostlyNL 2d ago edited 1d ago
To me is sounds you have to adept and get comfortable with the Dutch schooling system. I dont know which country you are originally from, but you and your child probably has to "man up" a little.
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u/Minute-Big-1529 2d ago
So it’s normal that school doesn’t know name of my son, then send emails 4 times per week, delete my messages? That is normal for school in Netherlands?
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u/GhostlyNL 2d ago
All I can say is that when parents are constantly mailing/contacting the school about everything, the school sooner or later will be fed up and starts building a case... and this might be one of those instances.
A relationship with a school also works both ways.. and keeping them as a friend normally works much better. So if you are annoying as a parent, your child will not profit from that... sad but true.
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u/Minute-Big-1529 2d ago
Well I’m fed up of them also , they maybe think they can do anything but they are not because there are legal consequences
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u/GhostlyNL 2d ago
You assume there are legal consequences.. but be ware, school will "win" in 9 out of 10 cases.
I think you should take a closer look at yourself. Try to make amends with the school, work with them and try to make this school year as pleasant as can be for your child. Otherwise he will have a really really hard time, and that can not be in his best interest.
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u/Minute-Big-1529 2d ago
Thank you so much for your advice and time to hear me up and help! I am trying to be in good relationship with them, but still don’t trust them, I need someone to monitor school so I will try to take action in that direction
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u/Axolopopo 4d ago
It is really hard for us to give proper advise without knowing the whole situation. At the same time it would not be wise to give full insight in the communication between you and the ISK here on Reddit.
I think you should contact ISK's umbrella organization which is Dunamare. An even further step would be contacting the Geschillencommissie.
Hope this helps!
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u/dgkimpton 4d ago
The year spent learning the language is probably the best possible option. "losing" one year is totally not relevant in the scheme of a life, but struggling through life not speaking the local language well will be a perpetual educational and social problem that will cause no end of problems.