Principal's Report

Dear Westall SC Community,

We are already now halfway through Term 1 for 2023. I mentioned a number of operational items and information via a compass bulletin last week. The main one of those I would like to promote again is joining our School Council. This is a small amount of time (only 2 x 1 hour meetings per term) and a great way to be more involved in your school and your child’s education. I urge you to consider this opportunity. Please call or email the school to discuss with me and/or please complete the self nomination form and either email or drop this form in at the school front office. I have included some research notes here on the benefits of parental involvement with school.

Parental engagement in child’s learning and development

Parents are the first teachers. Even when the child begins formal schooling, parents’ role as educators remains as important as that of the school teachers. Research in Australia and overseas has shown that greater parental involvement in children’s learning and educational activities leads to better outcomes not only for the child, but for their families and communities as well. 

Evidence shows that parental involvement is (Olsen & Fuller 2008): 

• good for the child Research has shown that parental involvement improves achievement regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic background, or the parents’ education level; it improves grades and test scores, school attendance and school completion rates, increases motivation and improves self-esteem, decreases socio-emotional, mental health and behavioural problems and leads to decreased use of drugs and alcohol. 
• good for the parent Parents who are more engaged in their child’s learning spend more time with the child and are more confident in their decision-making ability and their efficacy as a parent; greater involvement also improves parents’ understanding of teachers and their jobs and of the school curriculum.
• good for teachers Teachers feel happier if they feel supported by parents, more enthusiastic and satisfied with their job; teachers who talk with parents more often can understand their pupils’ families better, especially if they come from different cultural backgrounds. 
• good for schools Schools that engage parents are more supported and respected in the community; programs run by these schools are usually more successful.

More reading is available via this link.

https://aifs.gov.au/research/family-matters/no-79/parents-involvement-their-childrens-education

 Mr Tristan Lanarus

Principal