Parent Communication is key to a Successful School

Parents have an important part to play in the education of their children. At Saint Ignatius College we are called to assist parents in fulfilling their obligation for the Christian formation and education of their children. The College respects the parents’ fundamental human right to know, understand and share in decisions that affect the education of their child.

Positive and responsible student behaviour is essential to the smooth running of our College, to achieve optimal learning opportunities and to the development of a supportive and cooperative school environment.

Genuine parent engagement exists when there is a meaningful relationship between parents and teachers with the shared goal of maximising learning and wellbeing outcomes for students.

Parent engagement extends beyond parent involvement in volunteering at the school, to having a deliberate focus on influencing and improving learning and wellbeing outcomes. Parents are provided with ideas and strategies and are encouraged to collaborate with the school and community to strengthen partnerships and directly assist in supporting their child’s learning. Effective parent engagement creates authentic relationships valued by each party.

Effective communication between schools, parents, students and the community forms the foundation for developing and maintaining partnerships. To have a significant impact on student outcomes, communication needs to be focused on student learning and wellbeing.

It must also be a genuine exchange of information and ideas between the student, the College, the home and the community.

If parents/guardians do have a concern in relation to their child the following list outlines the appropriate steps:

How do I raise a concern

• Raise the concern or complaint as soon as possible after the issue has arisen

• Communicate and respond in ways that are constructive, fair and respectful

• Be clear about the topic to be discussed

• Be mindful of the need to obtain all of the facts relating to the issue

• Observe confidentiality and respect for sensitive issues

• Consider what would be a reasonable and realistic outcome/remedy.

In all cases

• Make email or phone contact with the relevant person outlining the concern/complaint.

(Note, if the concern/complaint is about a staff member, they are the relevant person in the first instance).

• Where possible, make an appointment to speak on the phone or in person. Talking provides the best opportunity to discuss and resolve your concern and seek a timely and informal resolution.

• Ensure the relevant person(s) is (are) given a reasonable amount of time to take the steps required to resolve or address the concern/complaint.

Working together is always going to achieve a better result and a more effective outcome for all parties involved, especially the young people of our College.

https://www.ignatius.vic.edu.au/our-school/student-information#790

Michael Timms  Deputy Principal [Students]