Tips for Success

Communicating with your school:

  • Staff in our schools are eager to address your questions or concerns. Education shared between the home and the school, and excellent communication is an excellent starting point for resolving an issue.
  • Build a positive relationship with your school

Be Involved:

  • Support and work with your child’s teacher(s)
  • Participate in your school’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
  • Attend school events and activities
  • Offer to help in the classroom
  • Support your child’s learning at home
  • Stay informed of your child’s progress in school

Communicate:

  • Take opportunities to get to know the people who work with your child(ren)
  • Ask your child about their school day.  Use creativity when you don’t get much out of your student.  Some suggestions:
    • What did you use a pencil for today?
    • Who did you eat lunch with?
    • Did you go to any other classrooms today?
    • Did any other teachers come into your classroom today?
  • Keep the school informed about issues that may affect your child. Don’t wait for a small problem to become a significant concern
  • See what social media options are available to keep up-to-date on school activities
  • Resolving Issues and Concerns
  • Arrange a phone appointment or in-person meeting so that your concerns are heard without distraction (emailing to arrange a date and time works well).  In person, meetings can also help to avoid misunderstandings about the tone that are unclear in email communications.
  • Organize your thoughts before the meeting. Keep focused on the issue. Remember, we are all here to ensure the success of your child.
  • Treat others with dignity and respect, and expect that in return.
  • Try to look at both sides of the issue and listen to everyone.
  • Work with people at each step in the process to try and address your issue or concern before proceeding to the next level.
  • Parents and guardians are urged to contact the school if they are unsure of a message, or have questions about an activity or issue.  It is usually best, to begin with, the classroom or subject teacher. The vast majority of problems or concerns are resolved at this stage.  If you are not satisfied, then you may wish to contact the principal or counselor to request assistance in dealing with the matter. A child’s problem is best solved when the people closest to the problem work together to find a solution.
  • Other sources of support and guidance are your Parent Advisory Council (PAC) or the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC).  Your school office can provide you with the names of your school’s PAC executive.

Get connected

  • Meet other families and make a plan to meet
  • Get involved with our PAC(Parent Advisory Council)
  • Read the school newsletters posted on the website
  • Volunteer to drive or attend field trips
  • Come into the school when possible and appropriate.

Access to information

  • Mark the school website as a favorite.
  • Visit it regularly.
  • Read the Code of Conduct
  • Please pay online for fees and field trips
  • You can access newsletters, school schedule, upcoming events, etc.
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