Family Engagement in Learning News

Family engagement drives academic results 

St Anthony’s Primary school has drawn on Australian and International research which shows that children tend to do better in school, stay longer in school and enjoy school more, when schools, families and community groups work together to support learning. 

At St. Anthony’s, the benefits of family engagement in learning are numerous and include: • Higher levels of student achievement; 

• Reduced absenteeism; 

• Better attitudes to learning; 

• Better social skills; and lower instances of behavioural problems; 

• Improved trust in the school; 

• Better teacher-student relationships; 

• Increased cultural competencies; and 

• Higher student expectations of themselves. 

A curriculum that engages families and the wider community Curriculum design in a catholic school provides opportunities to actively engage in collaborative, socially connected and relevant learning. 

With Community partners, our teaching staff design a curriculum that moves learning beyond the boundaries of the traditional school. At it’s very best, our curriculum engages families alongside local and global communities to support, extend and challenge our students. 

Our approach to family engagement: 

• Is an essential element in School Improvement; 

• Requires clear two way communication between staff and diverse family groups; 

• Is a professional obligation of all teachers and staff; 

• Respects parents and carers as the primary educators of their children; 

• Requires all staff to actively develop positive relationships with parents to enable a strong partnership between the school and home; 

• Acknowledges the importance of building connections between families; and 

• Involves multiple family engagement methods across a range of platforms and initiatives.