St Joseph’s is committed to developing and maintaining opportunities for parent and community participation in the education of their children. It is widely acknowledged that children learn better when their parents are involved positively in the school. As a parent you can share your own knowledge and skills at all levels to assist your child’s learning, to support the school’s goals and to promote the principles of Catholic education.
There are many ways in which parents and schools can work together to improve the educational experience and outcomes for your children. You can help your child in many areas of school life, as suggested in the list below:
Faith development
Attend school and parish liturgies and Masses, sacramental education and faith development evenings
Participate in and discuss religious education learning activities and social justice initiatives
Learning
Volunteering to help out in a classroom, on excursions and with special classroom events and sporting events
Encourage your child to take increasing responsibility for his/her learning and organisational skills
Discuss your child’s school work and progress with him/her
Contact the relevant teacher to discuss any problems your child is having with his/her classwork or homework
Encourage reading by setting an example – reading yourself
Read to your child and listen to your child’s reading
Discuss your child’s response to the texts and ask to see work s/he completes on these texts.
Wellbeing
Encourage healthy eating, sufficient sleep and regular physical activity
Encourage positive attitudes, values and behaviours like courtesy, confidence, persistence, and doing your best
Celebrate your child’s successes
Help your child balance the amount of time spent completing homework, watching television, playing computer games and engaging in other leisure or recreational activities.
School activities
Attend school events, displays or productions in which your child is involved
Become actively involved in school community activities such as the School Advisory Council, parent groups, parent education programs, etc
Volunteering to help out with school events/fundraisers, sporting events, attending parent/teacher interviews and parent evenings