By James Penstone, Secondary Principal
16 February 2024
Parental Engagement and the Value of Grade Level Coffee Mornings
This academic year, we have introduced grade level coffee mornings in the Secondary School; a new initiative aimed at enhancing our educational community's cohesion and success. Hosted by our Grade Level Leaders, these gatherings provide a unique platform for parents to engage directly with the fabric of the school, fostering a shared approach to our students' educational journey.
The role of Grade Level Leaders, developed over the past four years, has evolved to include not just student support but also extending this support to our parents. These recent coffee mornings have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents and staff alike valuing the opportunity for direct communication and collaboration.
"Unique to these mornings is the chance for parents to hear from various speakers, offering insights into topics specifically relevant to each grade level, thereby enriching the educational dialogue between the school and our parent community.
But why does this matter? Research underscores the significant impact of parental involvement in education. Engaged parents contribute to higher academic achievement, enhanced student motivation, and improved social-emotional outcomes, as evidenced by a comprehensive review by the American Psychological Association and insights shared in Education Week. Our coffee mornings serve as a strategic avenue to bolster parental engagement, creating an environment where parents can exchange perspectives, offer solutions, and importantly, build a supportive network.
As we look to the future, we are considering increasing the frequency of these coffee mornings, reflecting our commitment to continuous improvement and responsive education. We have been seeking feedback from participants for enhancing their future format, with a central theme so far being that parents particularly enjoy opportunities to air and share perspectives and questions openly. Working together, we hope not only to enhance our children's educational experience but also to lay the groundwork for their lifelong success and well-being.