As parents and teachers, we share responsibility for the education of the children in our care and these are some of the things we can expect of each other.
Parents should:
- Act on recommendations for professional intervention – this is in the best interest of your child. Don’t negatively discuss your child or the school in front of your child as this can affect self-worth and confidence.
- Don’t talk “school” to the teacher at social parents’ evenings or if you see her at the shops – she deserves to have time off too. Parent interviews, or other requested meetings, will allow you to talk about your child in-depth, in the right context.
- Address worries or complaints to the correct person at school (and keep the Principal “in the loop” if need be). Don’t gossip and belittle the school to others, this is VERY counter-productive.
- Return Reply Slips, completed correctly, ASAP – the information they contain will help the school to function more efficiently.
- Honour their financial commitments and pay school fees on time. If there is a problem, inform the school immediately, they are sure to be understanding. Don’t force the school into begging for fees.
Schools (and their Teachers) should:
- Be fully qualified with appropriate developmental/subject training. (And parents have the right to see certificates!)
- Provide a safe, caring and challenging learning environment.
- Ensure that children are stimulated, motivated and extended to achieve age-appropriate educational skills and goals.
- Inform parents of the ongoing progress and development of their child, both informally through interviews and in regular written reports.
- Behave professionally at all times – in their dress, speech and behaviour.
- Treat children respectfully, fairly and in a way that helps each child to reach his/her full potential.
- Communicate effectively with parents about events at school. (Parents can expect to be given fair warning of parents’ evenings and sporting events.)