Parent Student Teacher Conversations

Reflecting on Learning

Parent Student Teacher Conversations are next Thursday, 30 August, and the following Wednesday, 5 September.  

On both days, normal classes will run for periods 1-3, then students will be dismissed to enable them to attend the Conversations. Bookings (via Compass) open from August 23, 4.00 pm.

On the morning of the Conversations, please check your Compass Newsfeed: a message will be sent to families to alert you of any last-minute teacher absences. This Newsfeed will also indicate teacher locations for the interviews.  On arrival at the school, you can also check in at reception to collect a map of interview locations. Staff will be on hand to provide assistance. 

We look forward to seeing all families here for the Conversations. They are an excellent opportunity for your child to reflect on their learning and to seek feedback from their teachers on their progress. 

Tips and Tools for Parents from the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and Professor John Hattie

How is Jane or Johnny going? What you should really be asking at parent-teacher night …

Parent-teacher night can be an awkward evening but you’ll really impress  your child’s teacher  if you focus on these issues:

• Rather than only asking about your child’s mark or test scores, ask the teacher how your child has improved, and how their learning can progress further
• Ask about your child’s strengths, and how they can be enhanced
• Ask which areas of the subject are most challenging for your child, and how the teacher is addressing that
• Focus on your child’s learning growth and progression rather than whether they’re getting an A, B, C or D
• Ask about your child’s attitude to learning in general
• Ask if your child is engaged in class and whether they appear to enjoy the subject
• Ask the teacher how they assess what your child is ready to learn in each lesson
• Ask how much and what sort of feedback they give your child
• Do they regularly do formative assessment in class, to get a regular snapshot of your child’s learning needs and to make sure they’re following and progressing?
• Does the teacher reflect on their own teaching methods and whether they are working for your child and others?
• Does the teacher outline learning goals and expected outcomes at the start of each lesson, so the students have a clear understanding of what they are trying to achieve?
• In general a focus on learning, rather than test scores, will show your child that they are in a family that values education and learning