According to Andrew Oberthur, there are five reasons why parents engage with schools:
1. To share information: Communication is the cornerstone of the parent-teacher partnership. Parents often engage with schools to share vital information about their child's needs, interests, and experiences.
2. To understand history or context: Asking questions helps parents comprehend their child's progress and provides insights into the learning process, allowing them to better support their child's development.
3. To get advice: Seeking advice from teachers can be a valuable resource for parents. Teachers' expertise and insights into effective learning strategies can be instrumental in shaping a child's academic journey.
4. To find a solution to a problem: Problems are an inevitable part of a child's educational path. When parents encounter challenges, they turn to teachers for guidance in finding solutions that benefit the child's growth.
5. To offer suggestions: Parents also engage with schools to provide feedback or suggestions for improvement. Their input can be invaluable in gaining understanding about the child.
We can learn a great deal from each other, through clear, respectful communication. Throughout your child’s schooling, there may be encounters where parents or teachers may not have a clear picture of what has occurred. During these times it is imperative that we are on the same page.
The three key responses parents should give their children
To establish a relationship built on trust and collaboration, parents should adopt these three key responses when their children share their experiences:
1. “I’m listening to you:” By actively listening, parents convey their genuine interest in their child's thoughts and feelings.
2. “I’m hearing you:” Acknowledging what the child is saying validates their emotions and experiences, fostering open communication.
3. “I need to get the school’s perspective on this issue:” This response highlights the importance of seeking a balanced view. By considering the school's perspective, parents ensure that they have a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
This approach helps parents in gaining a complete picture of the child's experience, acknowledging that the truth often lies somewhere in the middle ground.
Considering Requests to Teachers
When reaching out to teachers, parents should assess the realism, reasonableness, and sustainability of their requests. Understanding the school's capabilities and limitations is crucial in forming constructive partnerships. It ensures that requests align with the school's resources and the child's best interests.
When parents and teachers work together, the child reaps the benefits of a holistic and supportive education.
You will reap what you sow.
Mrs Diana Ivancic
Head of Junior School
Happy Campers
Part of our pastoral care program at St Gregory’s is the experiences provided through camps and overnight trips. Over the past two weeks, Years 3 & 4 attended Sport & Recreation Camps for 3 days/2 nights.
Year 4 stayed at the Broken Bay Sport & Recreation Camp. The students had a wonderful time participating in activities such as archery, water activities and campfire cooking. The staff who attended included Mrs Mackay, Mr Edwards, Mrs Limbrey & Mr Gannon. All came home exhausted but with lots of stories to share.
This week, Year 3 stayed at Teen Ranch, Cobbity. Being their first overnight stay, there was some apprehension and nervousness as they prepared to board the bus. Once there, this disappeared, with lots of fun activities including the giant swing and rock climbing. The students were supported on camp by Miss Slattery, Mrs McPherson, Mr Howe & Mr Gannon. I’m not sure who had more fun – the students or the teachers.
Next week, Year 5 will head off on a three-day trip to Canberra, where they will visit sites including Parliament House, Questacon, The Australian War Memorial and the Museum of Democracy. This trip is filled with lots of rich learning opportunities. Mrs Burton, Mr Hayes, Mr Howe and I will take the Year 5 students on this trip.
Our students are privileged to be provided with these opportunities to develop skills in independence, confidence, resilience and organisation. It is made possible by the staff who are willing to take time away from their families, many with young children. I thank them for the effort it takes to organise their home and family life, to spend three days away without a break, always alert for the safety and wellbeing of the children.
I am also very grateful to their partners who are often left to pick up extra after school activities, meal preparation and home tasks and organise their own work in order to make this happen.
We are very blessed to have these wonderful experiences.
