Parents, families and carers are a child’s first and most important teachers. For students to be successful at school, it is important for family, community and schools to work together to create a stimulating and supportive environment for the learning and development of all children.
There is a large body of research that supports the value of parent engagement from birth and throughout the school years. When schools and families work in partnership, children do better, stay in school longer and are more engaged in their school work. Parental engagement affects how children experience school, their achievements and their transition from school to post-secondary education. Parent engagement also results in longer term economic, social and emotional benefits. Parents and families play a vital role in helping children develop into confident and motivated learners. (ARACY, 2018)
Effective schools have high parental and community involvement which has a major impact on student learning for parents and families. This means taking opportunities in the everyday interactions they have with their children to promote and support learning, and to help children to make connections with learning at school, in the home and in the community.
At St Therese’s, this means looking at ways to work in partnership with families; helping to build their capacity for effective parent engagement.
Areas of parent involvement include:
- Parent involvement in classrooms
- Parents & Friends Association and School Board
- Participation in school celebrations including liturgies and other school-based initiatives
- Sporting events and carnivals
- Support with excursions and camps
- School musical
- Information evenings
- Parent/ teacher interviews
- Feedback through surveys and forums
Parent Volunteers
Parent helpers greatly enhance the teaching and learning in our school. Your help allows teachers to do so much more with the children in their class.
It is a workplace requirement that all volunteers be informed of our Student Protection practices and abide by the Code of Conduct for Parents and Volunteers.
If you would like to be a volunteer parent helper, please download the documents below and return the signed application and declaration forms.
Child Protection Handbook for Volunteers
Code of Conduct for Parents and Volunteers
2022 VOLUNTEER Induction Booklet