A Word from the Principal

What’s the most accurate predictor of academic achievement? One of the best predictors of a child’s success at school is parent engagement in the student’s learning. (cited in waterford.org)  

According to educational experts, the definition of parent engagement is parents and teachers sharing a responsibility to help their children learn and meet educational goals. Parents commit to prioritizing their child’s educational goals, and teachers commit to listening and providing a space for collaboration with parents. Working together and keeping students at the centre of what we do is key to helping children learn and flourish. As parents, you know your child best and you are their strongest advocate. For teachers this knowledge is crucial. Sometimes we don’t know the questions to ask or the reason behind the information, but we are keyed into learning - the student’s learning and our own.

Last week we saw the first opportunity for staff and parents to meet. The Primary classrooms were opened to parents to informally meet the teachers and to see where their child learns. This initial meeting opportunity will be followed up with parent teacher conferences in March for Primary students. In the Secondary, Clan teachers had an opportunity to meet with parents and students around goals for the year. Both these avenues provide a meeting point for parents and staff - a point to open the discussion about your child as a learner and as a person.

Parent involvement in their child’s education is incredibly important. As the year progresses the College routine will become second nature to our students, however it is often at this time that questions are raised by students and parents and clarification sought from the College. It is very important that you are proactive in seeking clarification. No question should be left unanswered. Just like any family, there is often a go-to person at the College that can most likely answer your queries or help address any concerns that you may have.  It is easiest to remember that the best person is usually the one who sees your child the most frequently - the class teacher or the clan teacher.  Both these teachers see your child daily and are the best people to make contact with. 

Generally during the day (from 8.30am until 3.20pm) staff are engaged with your child’s learning and their professional requirements, which include yard duties and meetings. These are focussed periods of time and do not allow for checking in with emails. For most staff, your question may need to be directed on and an answer sought and this too takes time.  For email communications, staff require at least 48 hours to return your email.  If your matter is urgent, please contact Student Services and they will direct your query to the most appropriate person. The ‘Communication Protocol’ flowchart on page 20 will assist you with this.

For staff wellbeing and to help ensure our staff are better equipped to balance work demands and life, the College has a policy of no work emails after 7pm and before 7am and no work emails on the weekend. If your questions arise during these times, do not hesitate to email the teachers but please be aware that no actions will be taken because staff may not be checking their work emails.

The College cares about your child and will work with you on how to ensure they receive the best education from the College. We value our community and we are committed to improving our connections with you.

Staff News

Congratulations to Ms Alex Rodrick and her partner Will on the safe arrival of Theodore 'Teddy' Rodrick Farrell on Tuesday 9 February.

We welcome Teddy to our College community and know that Alex and Will will be enjoying this first addition to their family.