Parent/caregiver Communications
Communication Procedures
Achieving desired outcomes for students, parents/caregivers and teachers; one conversation at a time in accordance with our Community Code of Conduct.
We are a caring Christian community nurturing within students a growing relationship with Christ which promotes individual excellence, learning and responsibility, for life.
Mutually supportive and trusting relationships between teachers and parents/caregivers provide the foundation for optimal student learning development. Here is our two-part process as to how students, parents/caregivers and teachers can work together productively and respectfully.
Responsibilities of Parents/Caregivers
- Understand that teachers, parents/caregivers must work together for the benefit of students
- Build a strong community by supporting and showing respect for other students, parents, staff members and College activities
- Respect College staff, decisions the College makes as an organisation, and policies/procedures including the use of restorative practices
- Ensure students attend the College regularly and punctually, in correct uniform and with the equipment necessary to support their learning
- Remain calm, polite and respectful at all times when communicating with staff and other members of the College community
- Provide any formal and/or informal changes to parenting situations or parenting plans in writing as soon as practicable to enable appropriate support to be provided.
Responsibilities of Students
- Attend College regularly, on time, in correct uniform and well-prepared for the day’s learning
- Learn and participate to the best of their ability
- Complete set tasks, homework, research and assessments on time and to the best of their ability
- Treat all community members with courtesy and respect
- Demonstrate care for our College community, buildings, grounds and resources without exception
- Accept responsibility for their behaviour choices and work towards restoring relationships when required.
Responsibilities of Teachers
- Provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students
- Have high yet realistic expectations of each student
- Build student and teacher relationships based on trust and understanding to support their learning
- Keep students, parents/caregivers and College administration well-informed of learning activities and intentions
- Work collaboratively with other College staff, parents/caregivers students and outside agencies to support student learning and wellbeing
- Forgive students for lapses in behaviour and engage in opportunities to restore relationships when required
- Be timely, open and honest in notifying College staff and parents/caregivers of achievements and concerns for students, their learning and wellbeing
- Work together with students, parents/caregivers and College administration in a respectful and professional manner when challenges arise
- Support the College’s spiritual and educational culture and strategic goals.
Working in Partnership
What can be done if there are concerns about your child/ren?
We value open and respectful communication. When concerns arise it is best if those concerns are dealt with:
- At the earliest opportunity
- In the most informal way
- By the most appropriate people.
The following information provides an overview of common matters and the preferred person for you to contact.
RELATING TO PERSONAL ISSUES | RELATING TO LEARNING ISSUES |
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HOME GROUP Family Communication Friendship Issues Student Procedures • Attendance • Uniform • Student Behaviour • Student Relationships • Mobile Phone/ ICT Usage Restorative Practices | SUBJECT TEACHER Pedagogy • Homework • Progress/Achievement Level • Work Program Student Progress • Achievement • Assessment • Learning Needs Student Engagement • Motivation • Expectations Student-Teacher Relationships |
HOUSE LEADER New Student Support Student Wellbeing • Attendance • At Risk Behaviour • Family Concerns Affecting Learning Restorative Practices | LEARNING AREA LEADER Subject Content Pedagogy Program Sequence Individual Student Progress |
MIDDLE / SENIOR SCHOOL WELLBEING LEADER New Student Induction Student Wellbeing Restorative Practices | MIDDLE / SENIOR SCHOOL LEARNING LEADER Subject Counselling Curriculum planning |
Two Conversations
Our preferred process for staff and parents/caregivers to communicate involves two conversations:
First Conversation
- Email or telephone the relevant teacher or parent/caregiver
- Identify the key concerns
- If necessary, arrange a face to face meeting to discuss the issue further.
Staff will endeavour to respond within 24-48 hours between 7.00am and 6.00pm on weekdays.
Second Conversation
Parents/caregivers and teacher then participate in a conversation that takes about 20 minutes using the principles of ‘ADOPT’. This allows each person some certainty that the conversation will remain focussed on the concerns raised.
ADOPT | |
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Agenda | The agenda is set by all participants. State what you think the agenda items are for discussion. |
Discuss | Discuss each agenda item using the ‘FIX’ model: FACTS – Using facts rather than emotion makes your point more effective. INFERENCE – Tell the other person what you think the problem is, based on the facts outlined. A useful phrase is “It seems to me that…” EXPLAIN – Ask the other person to explain their point of view. |
Options | Explore as many options as possible. They need to be practical to implement. |
Proposal | Make a proposal for moving forward. Advice may be sought from others. A follow up email is sent confirming agreed action to be taken, by whom and by when. |
Time | Set a time to follow up. |