HOME - SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

St Martin's school is committed to developing close ties between home and school.  There are many opportunities for parent participation in the life of the school some of which are outlined below.  Many other opportunities arise during the year.

PARENT TEACHER MEETING

During first term all class teachers schedule a Parent Teacher Meeting at which he/she discusses a range of issued including the class program, parent participation, homework, procedures for discussing pupil progress etc.  These dates are advertised early in the year.

CLASS CONVENORS

Each year a class parent(s) is elected from the parents group of each class to act in the role of class convenor.  This position is a support to the teacher and class and involves liaison with the class teacher to assist with organisational matters and the promotion of class identity and parent support for class initiatives.

INTERVIEWS WITH CLASS TEACHERS

Parents are encouraged to keep in regular contact with class teachers.  Consideration should be given to teacher preparation time and class responsibilities.  It is preferable to arrange a mutually agreed upon time to meet so that teachers can prepare adequately for the meeting and avoid disturbing time in class.

INTERVIEWS WITH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

St Martin's has an open door policy which encourages open communication between principal and parents.  It is policy that if any parent has a concern that involves a teacher, he/she must first approach and discuss the issue with the class teacher.  After having approached the class teacher in the first instance, parents are welcome to discuss the matter further with the principal.  It is preferable to arrange an appointment by telephoning the school office staff.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

St Martin's Messenger is published every Thursday.  A copy is provided for every family and is distributed to the oldest member of each family enrolled at the school.  As this is our most regular and comprehensive form of communication parents are encouraged to read the newsletter in order to keep updated with school news.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

Each week a whole school assembly is held on Monday and Thursday mornings in the amphitheatre area.  Parents dropping children to school are welcome to attend assemblies and may use the area on the Resource Centre verandah to gain a good vantage point.

HOMEWORK

Homework is set according to the learning structures and needs of individual children and groups by the class teacher.  At different stages in a child's education there will be varied expectations as to the amount and format of set homework.

We believe the completion of homework has several purposes:-

  • to develop time management skills
  • to reinforce concepts and skills taught in school
  • to keep parents conversant with children's work
  • to provide feedback for teachers on children's handling of set work and independent work skills

The following guidelines are provided for parents and teachers:-

  • In general homework will be given on weekly (eg Contract) in order to allow children some flexibility to cater for extra curricula activities
  • Homework should be relevant to class work
  • Guidelines for time allocated and parental involvement will be discussed at parent-teacher meetings early in the school year
  • Teachers will consider the amount of and due date of homework at times when school and other events are infringing upon a group's or individual's routine
  • The prime responsibility for completion of homework rests with the child
  • Parents have a supportive role with regard to homework.  Parents are encouraged to assist children by providing the necessary resources, listening to children and reading over written work.  This support role should not take away from the prime responsibility of the child.

Parents may aid their children and support the teachers' role by :-

  • providing a quiet area in which to do homework
  • structuring a routine which balances homework, family and extra curricula activities
  • setting realistic time limits for homework to be completed (as discussed during parent-teacher meeting at the beginning of the school year)
  • alerting the teacher as to any major difficulties the child has experienced in doing the homework
  • discussing with the teacher special needs or concerns in relation to homework as early as possible, so as a more beneficial routine is developed early. (This can be done by writing in the child's homework diary or homework book)
  • encouraging and expecting a high personal standard of work

In line with the Behaviour Management Policy, children who regularly fail to complete homework will do so during a supervised detention period.

CHILDREN'S DIARY

All children are issued with a St Martin's Children's Diary early in the school year. The Diary serves two basic purposes.  The children will use the diary to record their homework tasks and any other messages for the day.  Secondly it will become a means for teachers and parents to communicate with each other on a daily basis if necessary.  Teachers will explain the diary fully at the Parent-Teacher meetings early in the year.

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