Principal News
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
Another busy two weeks has passed and as we gear up for the next two there is much to be achieved. Last Friday, we welcomed our 2021 Prep students for the morning, and it was delightful to spend time getting to know them all. Over the next few weeks, we will visit many of their Kindergartens as well to help with their transition into school in 2021. At our next transition morning we will welcome all new students for 2021 in years Prep – Year 6 on Wednesday, 2nd December 8:45a.m. – 10:45a.m. So far, we will welcome over 90 new students across the school in 2021 with an expected enrolment of 420 or more students. These numbers will help in maintaining our three classes within a year level. Offering families smaller classes of 20 – 25 students in most year levels for 2021.
World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and thank Queensland teachers for the important role they play - inside our classrooms and out in the community.
Our amazing SSPS teachers go above and beyond for our students each and every day.
Let’s join together to thank all Teachers on World Teachers’ Day, Friday 30 October 2020.
Share your celebrations by using #ThankQldTeachers
Combined P & F and School Board Meeting:
Last Monday, at the combined P & F and School Board meeting we discussed the idea of combining these two groups into one as a Parent Partnership Forum.
I draw your attention to the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Parent Engagement Charter which can be found on this link:
The Parents and Friends Association (P&F), School boards and Parent Partnership Forum (PPF) are the three most prominent formal groups for parental involvement in processes.
P&F
The primary purpose of this group is to support the principal and staff in the provision of high quality educational programs, resources and facilities.
School Board
The School Board comprises members of the parent community who serve on the board for three years. The primary purpose of the Board is to support the Principal in the development of policy and provide advice in the areas of • curriculum • buildings and facilities • finance • enrolment • staffing.
PPF
The PPF is an amalgam of the responsibilities of the P&F and school board. This model, originally designed for use in smaller school communities, currently operates in some of our Diocesan schools.
Last week at the School Board meeting and the Parents and Friends meeting, I proposed to those in attendance to consider adopting the Parent Partnership Forum model for 2021 rather than the traditional P & F and School Board models. I raise this with the community to help strengthen our parent engagement, to ensure all parents feel welcomed and able to make a worthwhile contribution to the life of the school and the education journey of your child or children.
It is well researched that when parents engage with their children’s learning great things happen:
- Attendance increases
- Behaviour in school improves
- Homework return rates increase
- Volunteers increase
- Children’s achievement tends to improve
- Communication between all stakeholders is productive and informative
What is a Parent Partnership Forum?
It is an alternative model to the traditional P & F and School Board groups. A PPF honors the place of parents in the life of schools and provides a more effective and realistic avenue for the voice of parents to contribute to school planning and decision making. The changing nature of families and schools has shifted the traditional understanding of parent involvement. Other Toowoomba Catholic Schools have adopted this new model of parent involvement and engagement which have proven to better serve their current context. (adapted from Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools: Parent Partnership Forum Constitution)
The Forum supports the work of the principal and staff in ensuring a comprehensive and contemporary education program. Parents would continue to have an advisory role in decisions made in the development and implementation of the strategic plan and policies of the school as well as the provision of resources which support the educational endeavour of the school.
The Forum provides an alternative model which integrates the functions of the school Board and the P & F, acknowledging that not all functions can be replicated in this new model.
All are welcome to attend the meetings and assist in:
- developing a positive and affirming community spirit
- supporting the work of the principal and staff
- providing feedback to the principal and staff on school initiatives, policies and strategic direction
- prudent and consultative decision-making
- promoting interaction between home and school, parents and teachers
- encouraging parent engagement with their child’s learning and school life
- deepening parent understanding of teaching and learning programs
- promoting the school in the wider community
- creating a forum for discussion
- the provision of resources to support the educational program
Why consider the change to the PPF?
For several years we have had trouble in enlisting enough people to fill the traditional volunteer positions on the School Board and P & F Executives. Often left to four people whose generosity of time and advice is truly valued by me as Principal and the school community to make decisions, organise events and activities. What is clear is that there has been diminishing numbers of parents willing and able to be involved in these groups. The Covid-19 pandemic certainly hasn’t helped the situation for all involved.
Findings from the meeting were noted:
- Strong culture of community and long standing friendships.
- To encourage strong parent voice.
- Only executive of P & F attend meetings for the past two years. Lack of parents attending.
- School needs – time consuming for administration staff in terms of communication to parents; Principal waiting for agendas to be prepared for meeting;
- Improve communication – reduce misinformation being sent via year level facebook pages. If you are not sure about something all are encouraged to contact the school principal or school reception.
- Efficiency – one meeting as opposed to two meetings a month.
- Acknowledge that parents and staff have busy lives. Work smarter for all. Efficiency of time for all. A PPF would avoid double up of same information for Board and P & F.
I thank the members of the Leadership team, School Board, P & F executive and other interested parents who openly discussed their thoughts and ideas about the Parent Partnership Forum. Keeping all this in mind we will continue to strive to ensure a streamlined approach that is efficient, has common purpose and clear communication that enables continued success for the school and parent engagement. The P&F and School Board will continue to operate and to work in partnership with the school.
If you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me via phone or email: madonna.sleba@twb.catholic.edu.au to organize a time to meet.
Please click on the link the Principal's Report for the October P & F and School Board Meeting: School_Board_and_P_F_Principal_Report_October_2020.pdf
YEAR 6 CAMP:
This week, I was fortunate to accompany the Year 6 leaders on their camp to Currimundi at the Sunshine Coast. The students and staff have had an enjoyable and busy few days away to celebrate their final year here at St Saviour’s Primary School. The excitement and energy that they brought each day along with their ‘have a go’ attitude was tremendous and a real credit to them as a cohort. Such a privilege to be part of their final camp. Check out our school Facebook page for the daily updates. Thanks to Mrs Ward, Mrs Harlen, Mrs Smith and Mrs Bennett for their care and encouragement of the children whilst on camp. What an awesome bunch of children, they will be truly missed by us all.
Thanks for reading and have a great week!
Madonna