Transcript Slide 1
A crucial ingredient to developing strong Family – School Partnerships The Principal Our Community 99% CALD with low levels of formal education in the parent community Low SES – they dream and aspire to be middle class Limited self belief and poor confidence – ‘people like us’ Recent years have seen an increase in stress and anxiety within the Arabicspeaking and Pacific Islander communities largely because of the ways their communities are described in the media and especially the ways that young people are described Good people but judged poorly and at times stereotypically Searching for the best education for their child – what every parent wants! Crying out for school rejuvenation and a sense of belonging Where we stood... Media – “worst of schools…guns in school…out of control…criminality…” “Hard to staff” school with offer of transfer to each member of staff in 2003 Lurching between crises Last resort for students At the mercy of vultures WE USED OUR CHALLENGES TO INSPIRE STRENGTH AND COURAGE Context 3 pronged approach from 2005 Amenable Learning Environment Staff Professional Learning Community Engagement TODAY Seen as a reformist school NAPLAN results for 2010 & 2011 – amongst highest in the nation for growth Students achieve an exceptionally well rounded education Hub of the community with facilities for all to share Student numbers have grown over 65% since 2005 We believe in the philosophy of a school representing a family and developing a sense of belonging for all community members Making a genuine difference to the whole community Things to engage The gate and station Understanding customs, not patronising the community HT Community employed using equity funding Restarted the P&C in a proactive way Use of translations in all documents Operate on a ‘their time’ model Became a part of the local community by: raising our profile and demystifying the school sharing celebrations and supporting them during tragedies Utilising local press P&C picnic days community service Advocating for the community at every opportunity Parent Teacher nights – the old spinaphex is gone P&C meetings – over 45 Some things to be proud of! attendees Community dinners – annual highlight - orderly chaos!! Parent information nights, community partnerships, mum and dad nights – helping build capacity and relationships Open door, knowing parents Development of trust and respect WE TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT COMES ALONG Ten week parenting program Parent led mentoring Parent/community volunteers - Year 12 Graduation gowns Multicultural Fair Interfaith and Intercultural work Feeding the homeless program Creating the concept of a family where everyone plays a key role Delving deeper.. Five top tips … Know your community – they are all different Have community based events – will take time – provide lots of food Get to know the local businesses and Places of Importance Be real – the way you are perceived is important Put your heart on the line...schools are all about community YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE