- Teachers, schools and parishes recognising families as genuine partners and showing evidence that the perspectives of families are heard and valued
- All staff members embracing a culture of positive and effective communication with families
- A multi-dimensional approach - utilising formal and informal approaches, different 'sites' and different methods (oral, written, face-to-face, phone, web, email, pictures, video)
- Active, personal, frequent, culturally-appropriate and two-way learning opportunities
- Providing opportunities to empower families with the skills and confidence to communicate effectively with schools
- Acknowledging and honouring the diverse needs of families and catering to those needs
Research Information
Effective communication is essential to create strong school-home partner- ships and to increase parental involvement.
Good communication allows for two way information sharing and learning. Parents and students themselves are a valuable source of information and the literature confirms that the learning outcomes of all students are promoted by good communication between teachers, students, parents, the school community and the wider community.
- The University of Canberra for DEEWR (2007), Project to Improve the Learning Outcomes of Students with Disabilities in the Early, Middle and Post Compulsory Years of Schooling.
Activities / What can be done
- Design whole school strategies to enhance open communication and engagement - ensure that teachers, students , parents and front office staff are involved in the planning processes.
- Develop PD programs for teachers, school leaders and “front desk” personnel around effective communication.
- Distribute resources that demystify complex educational language and create plain language newsletter items for key educational issues eg Naplan.
Resources / What you can use
Advent 2016 Liturgy
Advent is the beginning of the Church’s Year. This simple liturgy reminds us that it is a time of promise, expectation and participation as we prepare for the great celebration of the birth of Jesus.
NAPLAN Videos for Parents - Newsletter Insert
This newsletter insert contains links to four videos, produced by ACARA, which were designed help parents in their understanding of NAPLAN: What is it? How can the data be used to support young people's learning? What can parents do? The videos feature parents from the Catholic, independent and public school sectors.
Prayers for Meetings
Prayer Booklet for meetings with themes of beginnings, respect, diversity and welcome among others. This resource is perfect for P&F meetings, parent meetings, and gatherings of schools staff .
Case Studies / What others have done
There are no case studies available at this time. If you would like to submit your school’s story as a case study please contact us
