Principal David Adams-Jones and parent and P&F representative Lisa Chirio talk about how teachers and parents are working together to be more strategic about parent engagement – everything from a weekly tip in the newsletter to a friendly greeting in the drop-and-go zone.
Principal Sarah Hamilton introduces a process for involving parents to help develop the Holy Cross Way, a guiding document that defines the school’s values. The discussion might even evolve towards a men’s shed to involve Dads in the life of the school!
Transitions officer Flo Cornish talks about a program that encourages remote First Nations families to stay at the college for short periods, make contact with their children and enrich college programs. Flo also discusses the use of technology to keep in contact with remote families.
Principal Gavin Rick and teacher Kerry Yelavich discuss how new ICT applications allow schools and students to communicate with parents in real time, providing insights for parents and the means for continuing discussions at home.
College Principal Edna Galvin talks about the college’s STAR program to engage parents in a new literacy program that is targeting both extension students and those that need some extra support.
How do we more from random to systematic acts of parent engagement? We need to challenge our assumptions, create welcoming environments for families, build trust and relationships, re-think what we do, and engage in systematic professional development.
Debbie reflects on the local parent engagement practices emerging in Cairns schools and provides some further examples from her native Canada and elsewhere.
Our keynote speaker, Canadian Professor Debbie Pushor introduces the concepts of parent engagement and the way in which both parent and teacher knowledge can work together to improve educational outcomes. She points out that only parents have parent knowledge and that knowledge must be recognised, honoured and utilised in school settings.
Vicar for Education Fr Neil Muir talks about the role of parents in the teachings of the Catholic Church and how parents have a special place in the life of the Catholic school. This video provides a Catholic faith context for parent engagement.
