Thank you to all parents and caregivers who took the time to participate in our recent Parent Teacher Meetings. Your engagement, thoughtful questions and collaboration are greatly valued, and they play an important role in supporting your child’s learning and wellbeing here at St Anthony’s.
We understand that schedules can be busy and that some families may not have been able to attend a meeting on the day. If you would still like the opportunity to connect, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher directly via email to arrange a suitable time.
Ongoing communication between home and school is vital. From time to time, parents may have a concern, a question, or simply want clarification about their child’s learning, wellbeing, or an incident that may have occurred. When this happens, the most effective and respectful first step is always to contact your child’s teacher directly.
Teachers work closely with students every day. They are best placed to provide accurate information, context and insight into classroom practices and individual learning needs. Often, what may seem concerning at first can be easily clarified through a short conversation or email. Seeking clarification early helps prevent misunderstandings and allows small issues to be addressed before they grow.
It is also important to be mindful of the role that second-hand information can play in shaping perceptions. Stories shared in the playground, on social media, or through informal conversations may be incomplete, misunderstood, or inaccurate. While it is natural to listen to other perspectives, relying on second-hand details rather than verified information can unintentionally cause anxiety, damage relationships and spread misinformation within the school community.
Teachers welcome respectful communication and value the opportunity to listen to parent concerns, explain decisions and work together on solutions that support their child. These conversations are most productive when they are calm, open and focused on the child’s best interests.
If, after speaking with the teacher, a concern remains unresolved, the school leadership team is always available to support further discussion. However, beginning the conversation at the classroom level ensures that everyone has the same information and that issues are dealt with as close to the source as possible.
By talking to one another openly and constructively, we create a calm, safe and supportive environment for every child to thrive.
Leon Bolding
Principal
