Benefits of a strong parent-school relationship

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else does. Your child’s teachers want to get to know your child too. When you have a strong and respectful relationship with your child’s school and teachers, you’re in a good position to give them information to help your child get the most out of education. You and your child’s teachers can work together to support your child’s learning and wellbeing.

When everybody is working together in the best interests of your child, your child is likely to reap academic and social benefits, like:

• regular school attendance
• positive school results
• a positive attitude towards school
• good social and relationship skills
• a sense of wellbeing, and into the future
• school completion
• progression to post-secondary education like TAFE, university or an apprenticeship.

How to build a strong parent-school relationship

You can build a parent-school relationship in several ways:

• Say hello to teachers and other staff at school pick-up and drop-off times.
• Ask teachers for information or feedback about your child, and share your child’s special events or achievements outside school.
• Go to parent-teacher interviews and parent meetings.
• Check the school website and emails regularly.
• Be involved and help out in the school community in whatever ways you can.
• Learn more about the school by looking at its annual report, website, newsletters and so on.
• Go to school performances, school social events, school fairs and parent information sessions.

Not all parents can be involved in school as much as they’d like, but you can still let your child know that school is important to your family. Talking about school with your child, being warm and friendly at school events, and being positive about the school and its staff sends the message that you value education and are interested in what’s happening for your child at school.

Getting involved 

• volunteering – for example, helping with classroom activities like reading groups or excursions or in the school canteen
• attending parent groups or committees – for example, Community Council open meeting
• working on school fundraisers and events – for example, the school Christmas Market
• doing social activities with other parents and families
• attending events like assemblies, concerts and Book Week parades.