By Nathaniel Atherton, Primary Principal
1 September 2023
Partnering With Parents To Ensure Our Students Thrive
The start of the academic year sees a flurry of student and parent activity as we reestablish our sense of community. And while community is an essential element of the ICS identity, this rush of activity is more than just social. It is the beginning of a deep and intentional process of partnering with families to improve student learning.
"The impact of parents being positively involved in their child’s learning has been studied for the past couple of decades, and the research is clear; parent engagement supports student engagement - and student engagement drives learning.
So how can parents partner with the school to help their children thrive?
ONE: Get Involved in Your Child's Learning
Attending conferences, staying updated on curriculum changes, and engaging in your child's extra-curricular activities are powerful ways to show your support for their learning. By attending parent-teacher conferences, you gain insights into your child's progress, strengths, and areas that may need improvement. Staying informed about the curriculum helps you understand what your child is studying and enables you to provide meaningful guidance when they need assistance. Involvement in extracurricular activities demonstrates your interest in their holistic development.
TWO: Foster Learning Discussions
Engaging in learning discussions with your child fosters a love for learning and open communication. Whether it's brainstorming ideas for a project, debating topics discussed in class, or simply commenting on their schoolwork, you are encouraging critical thinking and active engagement. Sharing your own enthusiasm for learning and discussing your own discoveries sends a powerful message about the value of education. Such conversations can be enlightening and create a supportive learning environment at home.
THREE: Participate in School Life
Meaningful involvement in school activities strengthens the sense of community and shows your child that education is a collaborative effort. Participating in events like Halloween celebrations, picnics, and Christmas markets not only creates lasting memories but also demonstrates your commitment to their school experience. Volunteering with the Parent Association (PA) or coaching a team can have a profound impact on both your child and the broader school community. It sets an example of active engagement and demonstrates your investment in their educational environment.
FOUR: Collaborate with Your Child's Teacher
Your child's teacher is a valuable ally in their educational journey. Building a strong, trusting partnership with the teacher opens doors for effective communication and a shared focus on your child's growth. Teachers care deeply about their students' success and well-being. By connecting and supporting the teacher, you can gain insights into your child's development while challenging them to experience new growth.
A host of activities have already started this year, with more to come. New Family Orientation, the Primary Hopes and Dreams conferences, Primary Open Doors Day, the PA Picnic, the Sparkle Malawi Run, and curriculum information sessions have already kicked off the year and next week, the Primary school will host two more Curriculum-focused events.
Alongside these beginning-of-the-year events, the school and PA will invite families to a range of annual school events.
This year will offer a tremendous opportunity to get involved in the school as ICS looks to develop its next strategic plan. Throughout September and October, the school will host six workshops inviting students, parents, teachers, staff, and board members to envision the future of ICS. This is a wonderful way for you and your children to connect in your support for the strategic direction of ICS.
We hope you will partner with us as we develop the school’s next road map.