We woke up to nearly five inches of snow covering our garden, the trees, the rooftops. It was really quite magical. Like being on holiday.
But it's Thursday, a school day, and we were not in the Alps. We were waiting for the email from school. Would it, wouldn't it, would it, wouldn't it. Be open, that is.
Our head teacher is from Scotland, and made of stern stuff. Yes of course school was open. Enough teachers were in, there was ample food in the freezer for school dinners, they could have a snowman competition on the field. Life, and studies, would go on.
But should it? Despite our bad weather reputation, we don't get that many snowy days in the UK. Should we just get on with it, or should we let the kids have a bit of fun while they can?
There were two camps at the school gate. Those that were elated that they wouldn't have a hoard of children at home all day (me!) and those that were annoyed that school was open.
Having grown up in a warmer climate, the snow day concept is foreign to me. The only time my school closed was if there was a strike. And my parents were both teachers, so there was really no time off.
Despite school being on, my kids had loads of fun anyway. We woke up early, got on the snow gear, and played outside for an hour. Quite honestly that was enough. They started to get cold. Then we got on the uniform and slid down to school where they could get on with learning and be with their friends.
"We shouldn't be open -- the children need a childhood," one mum grunted to me at the school gate. I nodded, smiling away, convinced there really was a God. And he was Scottish.
So what do you think. Should schools stay open? Should they close? Are we depriving our children of their childhood?
Photo credit: Lee Jordan
