Communicating with Parents

Our Purpose
At Makybe Rise, we value the contribution of parents towards our shared mission of growing friendly, thoughtful and active children who are part of something bigger than themselves. We value the partnerships we build with parents – together we make a real and measurable difference to our students’ success at school.
Our Policy Our Practice
The school and its staff organises appropriate, timely and efficient processes for effective communication for a variety of purposes including transition of new students, school policies, classroom expectations and routines, events, programs and student progress. Whole school formal strategies include:

  • Parent/teacher interviews;
  • Written reports each semester;
  • Regular meetings with parents of students who have a documented plan for explanation and review;
  • School Newsletters;
  • Use of Connect in each classroom. Connect is an Education Department initiative to improve communication between schools and parents on matters impacting student education;
  • Class meetings and newsletters;
  • School Tours;
  • Information about the school’s philosophy, policies and procedures is given to new and prospective families to assist them in orientating themselves and their children to the school;
  • Information Nights for specific purposes;
  • Parent Workshops;
  • Notes and leaflets for a range of purposes, including Term and Yearly Planners;
  • Student Diary;
  • Use of Communication Books where appropriate;
  • Website to be completed by 2014
Communication with parents is professional at all times. When communicating with parents, staff members:

  • Approach discussions in an open, courteous andrespectful manner.
  • Listen attentively to the concerns of parents, seekingclarification where necessary.
  • Present their own or the school’s point of view inprofessional and objective terms.
  • Seek support from Administration or colleagues ifneeded.
  • School staff takes into consideration cultural sensitivities and protocols when dealing with the school community.
  • Material is made available for a parent who lives apart from the child upon request.
School staff gives priority to meeting promptly with parents to solve issues, ensuring appropriate feedback on steps taken by the school.
  • While some matters may be addressed immediately, it is desirable to arrange meetings to address issues at a time and place that is mutually convenient and is conducive to a positive outcome.
  • Unless unusual circumstances apply, members of the school staff arrange interviews with parents in a timely manner.
  • Case conferences are held where appropriate and notes recorded and distributed to all participants.
All written communication from the school is professional and timely.
  • At least two weeks notice in writing is provided for school events that affect parents or require them to send money to school.
  • All written communication is edited to ensure clarity and correct information, spelling and grammar. All parent communication from class teachers must be viewed by a member of the school’s administration before being sent.
  • A copy of all notes is provided to the school office.
  • Written communication is jargon free, clear and succinct.
  • Incidents that occur either in the classroom and/or playground are recorded on the school’s database (Integris)
  • Playground incidents are recorded by teachers on duty. Those issues requiring follow up are identified.
The school has a process for dealing with issues expressed by parents. There may be times, despite ongoing communication, where members of the school community are unsure, disagree or believe there is a problem or issue concerning their child. Parents should not wait for a small issue to grow into a large one:

  • If the matter involves your child or is an issue of everyday class operation, parents need to make an appointment to see their classroom teacher, detailing the reasons for the appointment. The classroom teacher should be the first point of contact.
  • If the matter involved operations beyond the child’s classroom or concerns that are not easily resolved, an appointment should be made with a member of the school’s Administration.