Parents Involvement

At Birralee we aim to foster close co-operation between home and school.  We aim to keep the parents informed about what their children are doing at school through parent meetings and parent conferences, the school newsletter, the school web site and letters home in the children's school bags. Messages, questions, feedback etc. can be communicated through the home-school communication book.
The school is organising two parent evenings twice every year where among others the educational programme for the class is presented. A Reading meeting is held for the Infant classes as well as an information evening for new parents. There might also be other arrangement like open day, theme meetings etc.

Two individual Parent-Teacher conferences are organised during the school year; one in October/
November and another in March. We use a form for the conference to ensure the quality of the
conferences. All staff will have information about conducting conferences and about how to use the form
in staff meetings prior to the conference. The form is included in this handbook under Forms.

At Birralee we operate an “open doors” policy. 
We welcome parents into the classrooms to observe the children’s work, to take part in activities and to attend our assemblies. We always welcome parents helping in school on a more regular basis, either listening to children read or helping in other ways.

We encourage parents to communicate with their child's teacher either informally - before or after school - or by appointment.  The Principal is also available to listen and give advice or help. The administration works closely with the Parents’ Committee. This committee acts as a forum to air views, propose suggestions and run the social and fundraising side of parent/school life. 

At Birralee we encourage the parents to support and follow-up at home.  This support is particularly important with regard to homework.  Good work habits are best learned early, and both teachers and parents need to ensure that children develop them. 
Children should take responsibility for organising their homework as early as possible, but they will
always need the help and positive encouragement of their parents.

The school runs a home-school reading programme for the younger children where parents are expected
to read with the children. We encourage parents to continue to read with and to listen to children read
also as they start to use the library more freely.

Parent representation

All parents in the school form the Parents’ Association. The Parents’ Association will meet at least once
a year. The Parents’ Association will elect members to The Parents’ Committee. This Committee
consists of two class representatives per class in the school. A parent will also be elected to meet on the School Board as an observer to make the parents’ views heard.

The Parents’ Committee will work actively to create a positive school environment and help ensure
good co-operation between school and home. The parents will work together with the administration of the school, the Student Council and the teachers and assistants to create positive opportunities for the
children. They will also promote the school in the local community and strengthen the links to the community. They will promote and arrange social gatherings for both parents and students in the school.