From our Principal
Partnership with Parents: An Important Part of an Outstanding School
At a workshop on Tuesday, I spent time reflecting on the School Improvement Tool we use to prepare for our School Review next year. One message continually challenged my thinking: outstanding schools do not simply communicate with parents and their wider community, they find meaningful ways to involve them. The workshop emphasised the importance of partnership and of school improvement being shared and owned, rather than simply announced.
It caused me to reflect on how we involve parents at St Peter’s College.
Term 4 provides many wonderful opportunities. Our VCE Vocational Major Project Evenings and Art & Technology Evenings allow families to celebrate the skills, creativity and achievements of our students. Our Year 12 Graduation Assemblies, Masses and Valedictory Dinners celebrate six years of learning and growth before our students move into examinations or the workforce. At the other end of the journey, our Year 7 Information Evenings welcome families beginning their secondary education with us. Importantly, these evenings should be opportunities not only for us to speak, but also to listen.
But partnership cannot exist only at the beginning and end of a student’s journey.
One practical way parents can remain involved throughout their child’s education is by supporting good homework and study habits. Our Homework Policy offers an interesting reminder that, as adolescents develop independence, parents do not necessarily need to supervise, check or directly help with homework.
Instead, I would encourage three simple things, especially as we move towards end of year assessments and examinations:
Encourage a regular routine. Consistency helps students develop responsibility and time-management habits.
Take an interest without taking over. Ask what your child is learning and encourage them to complete their work, while allowing them to develop independence.
Communicate with us when needed. Partnership works best when families and teachers can share concerns and expectations and work together to support the student.
The challenge also belongs to us as a College. We need to continue finding better ways of listening to parents, understanding your needs and giving you meaningful opportunities to contribute to our growth.
Our School Advisory Committee already provides invaluable insight, honesty and support, for which I am deeply grateful. As we prepare for our School Review, however, I am interested in exploring how we can broaden that partnership further.
If we aspire to be an outstanding school, parent voice should not simply be something we hear. It should be something that helps shape our journey.
Mr David Hansen
Principal