Škola volá! 10 must-know Czech survival words and phrases for expat parents

• třídní učitel / učitelka – the main teacher of the class, responsible for organization and communication with parents
• žákovská knížka (informally: žákovská) – a booklet or app where teachers record grades, assignments, and notes
• poznámka – a short written warning about misbehavior or forgotten duties
• omluvenka – a written excuse from a parent for a child’s absence
• ředitelské volno – a day (or days) off announced by the school principal
• třídní schůzky (informally: rodičák) – parent-teacher meetings
• třídní kniha (informally: třídnice) – the official class register used to record attendance and subjects covered
• lyžák (informal) – a school ski course, usually with accommodation in the mountains
• přezůvky – compulsory indoor footwear worn at school (other than outdoor shoes)
• tahák – a cheat sheet; a small piece of paper with answers or notes that students secretly use during tests. Popular with students but forbidden by teachers

Start with a polite greeting:
Dobrý den, paní učitelko – Hello, Ms. Teacher
Dobrý den, pane učiteli – Hello, Mr. Teacher
Or a slightly more formal approach:
Vážená paní učitelko – Dear Ms. Teacher
Vážený pane učiteli – Dear Mr. Teacher
The body of your message:
Omlouvám syna z výuky. Je nemocný. – I excuse my son from school. He is sick.
Omlouvám dceru z výuky. Je nemocná. – I excuse my daughter from school. She is sick.
Prosím o uvolnění syna/dcery z rodinných důvodů. – Please excuse my son/daughter due to family reasons
Finish politely:
Děkuji a přeji hezký den. – Thank you, and have a nice day
Děkuji za pochopení. – Thank you for your understanding
S pozdravem, [your name] – Best regards, [your name]