A young person’s journey through school has the potential to be filled with plenty of ups and downs; joys and challenges, particularly when they are navigating the teenage years. A question many of us struggle with as parents is when to reach out and contact the school if issues or concerns arise. In my experience, when families, teachers and school leaders work together to address issues thoughtfully, respectfully and compassionately, most situations can be easily addressed before they become a major challenge. This is helped by positive relationships in which all parties feel valued and respected.

Catholic School Parents Australia has developed a website that provides a wealth of resources and practical ideas to help families form a better understanding of how to grow the partnership between home and school. The website includes a discussion about the following tips you might consider when deciding how to respond to an issue that has occurred for your child:

• The more promptly an issue is dealt with the better the likelihood of an effective outcome.
• The class teacher should usually be the first point of contact – going straight to a member of the leadership team could erode the trust of your child’s teacher.
• Make a mutually convenient time to meet with the teacher.
• Avoid becoming emotional or confrontational.
• Be open-minded as you may not have all the facts.
• Accept that a teacher may not have an immediate response but that you are beginning a conversation which will lead to a solution.
• Keep your child’s interests at the centre of the conversation.
• If the issue is unresolved by the class teacher, then you might approach a member of the school leadership team and explain the steps already taken/attempted.
• The Principal or a member of the senior leadership team usually should be involved if the matter relates to whole-of-school policy or practice.
• The Principal or a member of the senior leadership team should always be involved if there is any question about the safety of your child.

This is just a brief summary of some of the great information provided on the website. If you are interested in finding out more, you can access the resources via the following link:

https://www.parentengagementcspa.edu.au/

God bless

Angela Myles | Executive Principal