Family there if they need it
STUDENTS who have parents interested in their schooling have higher grades, lower dropout rates and are more likely to enrol in post-school study than those who have no parental involvement.
Parental engagement at school also contributes to improved social skills and behaviour and provides them with a greater sense of competence, an Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth report finds. The more educated and engaged children are at school, the greater their chance of career success.
Nazareth Catholic College principal Phil Lewis says many parents are concerned they cannot help their children with their schoolwork but, in reality, just taking an interest can have a significant affect on their academic results.
“Taking an interest in your child’s work, whether you know the (subject) content or not, is a very powerful thing for children,’’ Lewis says.
“It gives them acknowledgment and a sense of worth and value in what they are doing and achieving.’’
He says getting involved can be as simple as attending school information evenings and parent-teacher interviews.
“Parents can feel that they’re out of their depth when it comes to their child’s schooling but they play a really important role in supporting students,’’ Lewis says.
“As students get older, (parents) won’t always have to sit down to do homework with them — but they might have to support them in planning their time so that they can get their schoolwork finished.’’
Parental communication with teachers is vital at all stages of schooling.
Lewis says it is always better to meet teachers at the beginning of a school year rather than wait until problems arise and tensions occur.
Sandra Kanellos has always volunteered at her children’s school and, at home, makes a point of asking them what has happened during the day.
“They (George, in Year 11, and Katarina, who completed Year 12 last year) don’t always think it’s cool to have me there but, I think, if they don’t want you there maybe they’re trying to hide something,’’ she says.
“If you become involved in the (school) community, the teachers do see you in a different light and they’re much more approachable — they’re not always thinking, ‘Here comes that mum that’s going to break my chops about something’.’’