A Parent and School Team Approach
Catholic schools are all about family and therefore a sense of partnership between home and school is considered vital. When parents, carers, families and teachers share in the common vision of the school, the effectiveness of the school and the child’s experience is greatly enhanced.
Our school prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive community and parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in the life of our school. Often by doing this, support networks and friendships are formed which in turn enrich family life.
There are various ways in which parents and carers can become involved in our school community:
- Parent-teacher communication
- Voluntary support activities e.g. tuckshop, library, working bees, excursions
- Classroom activities and celebrations
- Attending school liturgies and events
- St Michael’s Community Group
- Other committees
Whether it be classroom assistance, covering books in the Library, working in the tuckshop or being an active member of the Parent Engagement Group, all parent participation is valued and appreciated.
How can parents make a good school better?
- Make an effort to understand what the school is trying to do. If you can, express your support for its aims and the values it expresses.
- Participate on committees and in discussion groups that consider educational issues and share opinions.
- Come along to the SMG Community Group meetings (weeks 2 & 8 each term).
- See the school as YOUR school and encourage your children to see it the same way.
- Attend school activities – open days, plays, concerts, picnics, sporting functions, celebrations.
- Join the official parent groups and look after the school’s interests.
- Welcome new parents and help them feel that they belong.
- Support a broad and balanced curriculum.
- Encourage your children to cooperate fully, to join in all school activities and to take pride in the buildings, the grounds and the school community as a whole.
- Let the Principal and teachers know you support them, provide constructive feedback when needed.
St Michael’s Community Group
Previously P&F Association
All parents and carers are a part of the SMG Community Group at our school. This vital group is the body in which the parent/school partnership is most publicly displayed. Meetings are held twice per term on Wednesdays of weeks 2 and 8, from 5:30 pm. All parents and carers are encouraged to attend meetings, which aim to provide a welcoming, positive atmosphere where parents can share their ideas and aspirates for our school.
The main areas the SMG Community Group assist the school in are:
- Fostering home/school partnership;
- Social activities for both parents and students;
- Being an advocate for parents in dealing with organisations such as State and Commonwealth Government bodies, local council, businesses and other community groups.
- Community building;
- Family pastoral care and support; and
- Financial support for the school through a levy.