July Blog: The Parent Connection

The parent connection in any school is a critical success factor. Without their children, there is no school. Families have plenty of choices these days, so a lack of confidence in their school of choice or a diminished school reputation will alter the priority when it comes to their school of choice.

Any change to their school of choice priorities can damage schools. These may include:

• loss of teaching and non-teaching staff;
• a decrease in school funding;
• further damage to the school’s reputation.

There will always be upset or irate parents in any school. In rare cases, the school may not be the “best-fit” for a child or family. It happens! However, it will be essential that the principal and school handle any sensitive matter with the respect, empathy, support, care and fairness that any situation deserves. If a family leaves, try to ensure they are your ambassadors for the school as a result of the way any situation was handled.

Schools must ensure parents have a voice and the opportunity to share concerns, suggestions, or initiatives as valued stakeholders. A strong and united parent voice sends a powerful, positive and important message to the wider community, which will only enhance a school’s reputation. Remember, a school’s reputation will determine school enrolments.

Don’t just aim for participation from outside the school fence. Rather, strive for the engagement of parents inside the school. There are so many ways in which a strong parent connection can add financial or personnel support without the costs. Common strategies include:

• classroom helpers (for example, with reading groups);
• library helpers (for example, stocktake, book covering, and repairs);
• canteen management (which can be a financial goldmine for schools, depending on school size);
• school events assistance (including organisational responsibilities);
• working bees (for school maintenance matters);
• school excursion supervision;
• targeted school fundraising activities; and
• formal and informal parent organisations (P&F and Mothers’ Club).

It is most important that parents determine what their priorities are for their fundraising activities. This empowers the parents and becomes a source of pride that parents can point out all over a school where they have worked with the school to improve resources, facilities, and staffing.

Just be wary of cliques that have a different agenda to the school’s priorities. Often, these cliques are a source of political power plays and can be detrimental to the school in terms of morale and miscommunication. If not kept in check, the school’s reputation may also be harmed.