Parents as Partners

‘Parent’ also refers to Carers and Guardians.

Statement of Intent
At St. Brendan’s National School, we promote the active participation of parents in the planning and development of our service. We encourage a close working relationship between staff and the parents of the children attending the school. We strive to create an environment that encourages parents to be actively involved. We recognise it is in the best interest of the child that parents and teachers work together in partnership to support children within St. Brendan’s National School. We recognise that good home/school liaising is essential in order that the potential of each child is fulfilled and the school may operate efficiently. Our Principal/Teachers are available to meet with any parents if they have concerns regarding their child’s educational needs or welfare.

Procedures:
Before a Child Commences School
We hold an Enrolment Meeting in June. Before the child commences school we have an open invitation to all parents to bring their child to the school (end of May/start of June) to see the classroom, meet the teacher and become familiar with the surroundings in which the child may find themselves. Parents of new students are given a welcome pack, which contains information booklets about the school.

Infant Classes
Both Junior and Senior Infants go home at 1.40pm. (Junior Infants go home at 12.00 for the first two weeks in September). Parents are met at the door. This enables parents and teachers to engage in brief conversations ensuring the on-going cordial relationship between parents and teacher. Appointments can be made for longer discussions.

Whole-School Approach
The emphasis is on a positive relationship between parents and teachers. Appointments can be made for discussion with class teacher and Principal if parents have any concerns regarding the child’s progress in school. We believe these regular consultations with parents help teachers to come to a deeper appreciation of the child’s needs and therefore to plan for more effective learning experiences. The school sends home notes/letters and texts regularly informing parents of events. There is also a school website, which is continually updated. Parents of new students are given a welcome pack, which contains information booklets about the school. We try to create a welcoming climate in the school, where teachers are available for consultation as the need arises.

Parent Teacher Meetings
Parent Teacher meetings take place in November of every year to enable parents to meet with teachers on an individual basis. To minimise the waiting time for parents, a specific time is allocated to each parent. If the time allocated is not convenient, every effort will be made to give an alternative time either on the day of the parent/teacher meeting or at a mutually convenient time. Parents also meet their child’s Literacy and Numeracy Teachers. Parents of children who attend Learning Support will meet the Learning Support Teacher. Written school reports are sent out in June to all parents. This occurs before the end of term to allow parents adequate time to discuss these reports with teachers if they have any concerns.

School Events
Parents are kept informed of school events and activities by texts, notes and the use of the school website. A school calendar is sent to parents in September giving details of holidays for the coming year. When letters or notes are being sent home they are given to the youngest child in the family.

Parents Council
There is an active Parents’ Council in the school (affiliated to the N.P.C.) and their involvement is greatly appreciated. The Principal is also involved in these meetings.

Board of Management
There are two parent nominees on the Board of Management.

Visits by the Parents
There is an awareness amongst staff that parents and grandparents often have skills and time to offer to the school. They are invited to come in and talk to classes when the occasion arises. These visits will be carefully planned and organised to ensure greatest benefit is achieved.

Extra Curricular Activities
Parents are widely involved in extra-curricular activities such as paired reading, computers, Green School, arts and crafts, gardening, school sports day and the school library. Parents are encouraged to involve themselves in the school community as much as possible.

Conclusion
As a school community our aim is to work together with positive communication and in co-operation for the full development of every child in our school.