- Actively model change and lead professional learning for staff on engaging community.
- Engage community for the purpose of enhancing School Excellence
- Consistently respect and value all members of the community.
- Actively listen to the community.
- Are visible, approachable and ensure that the same is true for all staff.
- Attend and host community events.
- Attend partner school events and parent meetings.
- Hold staff, students and parents/carers accountable through consistent evaluative processes.
- Support aspiring leaders.
Leadership at all levels
Dynamic, confident leaders and school leadership teams value the input of all members of the broader school community.
‘This school loves to hear what students and parents have to say.’
Principal, Lightning Ridge Central School
‘The school is a community asset. You need to immerse yourself in the community and genuinely include members of the community in the activities of the school.’
Principal, Parkview Public School
Woonona High School transformed their Higher School Certificate (HSC) program. Parents and carers were invited to HSC workshops led by an experienced mentor to learn how best to support their children. The approach was then adopted across Years 7-11. Leadership held staff, students, and parents/carers accountable, in a positive way, for the implementation of the school plan.
Wiripaang Public School was established in 2013 by the amalgamation of two local schools. The need to engage parents in the new school was quickly identified as a priority. The school implemented an extensive, full year transition to Kindergarten program which engaged large numbers of parents/carers before their children began at the school. New and improved communication methods were used. The principal ensured the focus on teaching and learning by engaging parents/carers in the language of learning. Professional learning for staff and strong accountability helped support the principal’s commitment to quality teaching and success for all students.
Bright ideas
Supporting parents’ transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Halinda School proactively engaged with community agencies and local stakeholders implementing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to develop accessible information networks that would service the ongoing needs of parents and their children.
The school worked with community agencies to meet parent/carer registration requirements in the NDIS. The school produced an NDIS newsletter for parents and carers and drew on interagency services, NDIS personnel, parents/carers and teachers to jointly facilitate workshops every term. Key parent/carer leaders worked with the school in developing and implementing information expos and parent educational initiatives. The expos enhanced parent/carer advocacy, provided the opportunity for access to appropriate services and supported parents/carers with skills in negotiation and planning requirements.
