Addressing Your Concerns
Communicating With Your School
Providing the best education possible requires ongoing, open and effective communication between parents, teachers and students. A strong relationship between home and school is an important part of helping all children reach their full potential in their school environment.
From time to time there may be a misunderstanding, lack of communication or a situation that requires attention. When this happens all parties must work together to resolve the matter.
Expressions of Concern or Complaint Protocol
Our Board has developed a protocol, which guides us in dealing with concerns and complaints. You can view the protocol by visiting the Board Policies section of our website found under the “Our Board” tab.
Collaboration is the Key to Success
Some tips for resolving concerns:
- Listen to Your Child – help your child by listening carefully to their views and ask questions that will help you gather information. How and what questions are best for gathering relevant information – avoid why questions because they can evoke a defensive reaction.
- Identify the Concern – Talk with your child to help identify and clarify any problems. Do not assume or predict that there is a problem.
- Encourage Independent Problem Solving – resolving concerns independently is an important life skill that will benefit your child. Encourage your child to use strategies that may resolve the concern without your help.
- Model Respect – discussing a school or teacher negatively in the presence of your child may affect attitudes toward school or teachers.
- Know the Facts – ensure you get all of the facts before reaching a conclusion on the matter.
- Make Notes – make notes on the information your child has provided because it may be useful later.
- Plan – you may have some suggestions prepared to share with teachers and other staff. A solution is more likely if a number of options are discussed.