A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Catholic Schools Week

It was wonderful to have so many family and parish members visit our school during Catholic Schools Week. Thank you to our very clever Mrs Bec Hofman for creating the following video for your enjoyment. 

One of the special moments during this week was when I had the pleasure of showing some parishioners around our school. A number of these visitors were ex-students and they were amazed at how the school had changed. They commented upon the variety of furniture in each room, and how bright and welcoming the classrooms were. Of course they were also impressed with the students working so hard in class!  One of these visitors noticed our Australian Animals in the library and the fact we didn’t have a koala. So imagine my surprise and delight when this morning a koala was presented to the school from Fred and Marie Lawson. 

Student Learning Progress

At St Joey’s we value strengthening relationships between parents and teachers because we know this assists students to be successful learners. Michael Grose, one of Australia’s leading parenting educators offers some worthwhile tips to build parent/teacher relationships. 

Get to know your child’s teacher

For your partnership to be meaningful and successful, you need to meet with your children’s teacher with the goal of forming a respectful professional relationship. Be willing to share your aspirations for your child and be willing to build the teacher’s knowledge about your family. 

Trust their professionalism

Children need to know that their parents are fully behind what their teachers are trying to achieve if they are going to commit fully to learning. The best way to support your child’s teacher is to trust their knowledge, professionalism and experience.

Go through the right channels

Despite the best teaching practices things can go wrong at school. Kids experience learning difficulties. Conflict and peer rejection happen. Kids will often come home from school with grievances, and call on you for assistance. Resist the urge to react emotionally. If you need to contact teachers do so respectfully, calmly and through the correct channels. A measured response will generally achieve the best result for your child.

Build links to student learning

If you want your child to improve their learning, take an interest in what they are doing. Follow teacher guidelines about helping at home and attend as many conferences, meetings and events involving your child as possible. This strategy has a significant, long-term impact on your child’s attitude to learning.

Stay in touch

Life’s not always smooth sailing for kids of any age. Family circumstances change. Friends move away. Illness happens. Mental health challenges can hit anyone at any time. These changes affect learning. Make sure that you keep teachers up to date with significant changes or difficulties that your child  experiences so they can accommodate your child’s emotional and learning needs at school.

Building healthy parent–teacher relationships doesn’t just happen

It takes goodwill from both sides, a commitment to setting aside the time necessary to support the home-based learning tasks that are expected, and a willingness to communicate both concerns and commendations through the correct channels.

I encourage all parents to get on line and book an interview slot with your child’s teacher. This is an ideal opportunity for us to celebrate your child’s learning progress and to work together to plan for those students who need extra support.   Please go to the General News page for instructions. 

Have a happy week

Pauline Long

Have a wonderful week

Pauline Long

Principal