Learning in Partnership

American politician and educator Jane Hull once wrote, “At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents.”

An important goal of our new Calrossy Strategic Plan is ‘Learning in Partnership’. This recognises the reality that learning is a relational activity and that the role of the teacher, combined with the student, is absolutely integral. However, it also reinforces the pivotal impact of the parents and extended family in the learning process for every child.

Families are the first educators of their children and their influence on learning and development during the school years and beyond is significant. Schools have an important responsibility in helping to nurture and teach future generations and families trust schools to provide educational foundations for their children’s future. Where the values and practices of a school are closely linked to those of the parents, it produces a successful environment for student growth and success. Calrossy believes that it is vital to acknowledge and recognise the primary role of the family in education. This is why it is important for families and schools to work together in partnership.

Research demonstrates that the most successful schools have high levels of parental and community engagement. Parent involvement is strongly related to improved student learning, attitudes towards school, attendance and behaviour. Family involvement in schools is therefore central to high quality education and is part of the core business of schools. Whilst much learning is on site, parents and relatives can have a major impact on student learning, regardless of the social or cultural background of the family. The culture of learning in a school is affected by the expectation of the parents and the value they place on improvement, excellent outcomes and academic success.

COVID has made direct parent and community involvement more difficult and one of the most disappointing aspects of the last two years has been that parents and grandparents have largely been absent from school campuses. Whilst online seminars and parent-teacher events have been successful, we are keen to resume face to face contact. One of our goals this year is to engage as positively as possible with parents and the extended families, moving life back to normal as much as possible. Calrossy is a relational school and so much of the richness of our community comes from the positive links between children, staff and their families.

A few areas on which we will focus this year are Feedback on Student Learning, clear communication and partnering with parents in events that will enrich the students school lives and learning.

Our Parents & Friends Association is a key body and additional attendees are always welcome at meetings, especially now that we are able to hold them ‘live’ once again. Whilst there is a fundraising aspect to the P &F, ‘friendraising’ and partnership are equally clear aims. It is also one of the avenues that parents can communicate with the school.

In terms of partnership, questions, queries and comments are always welcome and I appreciate the feedback provided from parents on all sorts of topics from class sizes, co-curricular activities, sport, newsletters and other issues related to learning and student growth.

I am grateful for the input of parents and I hope that many are able to be part of the Colour Run we are holding this Friday 18 March, in our first attempt to reengage the community and be part of something that is fun, also assisting in the development of increased shade for our campuses. Parents are welcome in our school and enrich the educational partnership enjoyed at Calrossy.

“Behind every young child who believes in himself (herself) is a parent who believed first.” Matthew Jacobson

“Train up a child in the way he (she) should go; even when he (she) is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

David Smith

Principal Calrossy Anglican School

Calrossy Business Manager

Calrossy Business Manager Mr Hugh Castleden recently tendered his resignation and formally concluded his service with Calrossy last Friday 11 March.

Hugh has served the school in this position for 10 years and has been instrumental in in the financial management and leadership of the school over this period. Much of his work has been behind the scenes, in conjunction with committees, Calrossy Board and Senior Executive. He has been a leader in our financial projections, building and development projects and the establishment of a school Foundation, amongst many other more routine but important processes. He has also served as Secretary to the School Board and administered Governance operations on our behalf.

On behalf of the school I wish Hugh, Anna and his family God’s richest blessings into the future and thank him for his commitment to Calrossy and for ten years of service in a complex role.

The Calrossy Finance Office continues to operate as normal and any enquiries should be directed to Jade Heffernan, our Finance Officer.

Calrossy is immediately commencing the recruitment process for a replacement Business Manager.

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