Principal's Message

Encouraging the involvement of parents in their child’s education is not a new concept. However, the positioning and participation of parents within the educational system has changed. In the past parents were effectively bystanders – and handballed their children’s education to those who were qualified in the area. Over time parents were invited to become more involved with schools as volunteers, helpers in classrooms and as members of school boards and committees. Now, this has shifted even further and schools and parents are asked to work more closely together and in our policies we are using terms such as ‘partnership’ and ‘engagement.’ 

Recent research has tried to identify what parental involvement is most effective – particularly for student achievement. The findings are quite clear in that the greatest impact is brought about by parents’ expectations and their efforts in the home, not in the classroom. ‘At home good parenting’ is considered to be of most benefit to our young people’s educational outcomes mixed in with sound connections and pathways between home and the school. The research also suggests that parents do not need to spend a large amount of time or develop specific knowledge to support their children’s learning. In fact, improved educational outcomes can be attained from a genuine interest and active engagement from parents in their children’s education.

Whilst the results from the research indicated above is clear, school-based involvement is still considered important. Having parents closely involved with the school supports both parties because these connections offer important community and social functions. Moreover, achievement in learning is more likely to be fostered when both parents and schools work together to facilitate a supportive learning environment in both the home and the school. This can be just as important in secondary schools as much as primary schools as adolescents will benefit from this support as they transition through their school pathway. Continued support at home and, importantly, parents valuing the benefits of education have been seen to help teens from disengaging from the education system. It is our school’s belief that we view parents as co-designers and partners in their daughter’s education.

So how can you as parents of students at Marian College show an interest and be involved in their educational pathway. A number of opportunities are available to you. These include:

• Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences. Over the last week there has been opportunities for you to attend these conferences with your daughters and join in conversation with their teachers as to how they are progressing at school over 2022. You would have also discussed any future actions that may impact their learning in a positive way. Thank you to all the parents who made themselves available in this way.
• Parent Focus Groups or Surveys. Over the course of the year we do reach out to families to garner some feedback with respect to processes, practices and future developments. I encourage you to be involved in these activities and also discuss these relevant issues with your young person.
• Seqta Engage. All parents have access to the Seqta Engage portal your one stop shop to find information about learning at the school. You will find documentation on courses, assignments/projects and assessments all connected to your daughter’s learning program. Accessing this information, showing an interest in the feedback given by teachers, or the students themselves, and offering appropriate support results in a greater level of engagement by the student.

Our new School Improvement Plan highlights our priority of developing authentic partnerships and there is no greater partnership than with our parents. I look forward to witnessing that strength in partnership over the remainder of the year.

Raymond Pisani

Principal