Cultural learning at high school

All my children are aboriginal, and my eldest 2 are in high school. My son doesn’t really get into th aboriginal programs as he’d rather be in class, but my daughter in year 7, is a part of th dancing group, and leave th school twice a week to dance, and also in a program where they go for nature walks n just hang out. I’m beginning to get really concerned about how much time is spent out of th classroom. Her mid year report wasn’t all that impressive with not all home work or assessments being handed in, and her excuse was “well I wasn’t there to learn it all” i think culture Is a huge part of who my kids are, and important, but it shouldn’t be getting in th way of her education. Would it be wrong of me to pull her out of one of th programs or would that be seen as a white mother, not respecting her child’s background.

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- - mom371543 said
  - 20 Sep 2019
    7:14 pm
I would think that balance is important certainly school work needs to be a priority perhaps there are after school cultural activities too
- - celebrity said
  - 21 Aug 2019
    12:15 pm
I think you need to start the conversation with the school. My son just finished school and he did cultural activities but it was balanced with his other school work. Ask the school how the programs work and if they have any impact on their normal studies and classes.
- - bonnies mum99 said
  - 20 Aug 2019
    11:31 am
Talk to your daughter and find out what is important to her. Then talk to the school and see if you can find a balance. Could she be doing more work at home to make up for what she is missing at school. Aboriginal culture is very important but you need to have a balance that doesn’t impact on your children’s education.
- - mom290396 said
  - 19 Aug 2019
    11:41 am
I would say leave her in the dance, as that seems to be covering enough bases! It covers culture and fitness. Culture is important for identity and connecting with who they are, but at the end of the day your child’s grades will be what gives them success in the workforce! Pull her out of the nature walk one and see how she goes. Good luck!
- - mom207052 said
  - 14 Aug 2019
    7:53 pm
No matter your choice, it can’t be denied that you have your daughter’s best interests at heart. Education and cultural experiences and knowledge are both equally important, especially for well roundedness. I am a big advocate on education as that helps set your foundation. Could you ask her which of the two programs she enjoys more and pause the other until she is back on track with her studies? Thats a midpoint, alternatively you could consider tuition to support her schoolwork but that is time and cost
- - mom160421 said
  - 14 Aug 2019
    12:16 pm
If she wants to remain in the cultural program she will also have to catch up with the work she’s missing in class. With a little more effort I think she can do both.
- - mom152736 said
  - 13 Aug 2019
    2:17 pm
maybe you could reduce her “out of school” activities to start with, instead of cutting it down completely as that could be overwhelming for her. You’re her mum and the best judge – don’t worry about what it’s gonna like to others. That’s just my 2 cents..hope you get to a decision that you’re both happy with… Good luck.