Strong partnerships between schools, families and communities are a vital – and often neglected – component in the provision of a high-quality education. Research over decades from all around the world has shown the benefits of family engagement for students’ educational outcomes. Family/school partnerships also support students’ mental health and wellbeing.
That’s the first paragraph of an article by Parents Victoria CEO Gail McHardy, published in April 2025 in the Australian Education Union newsletter AEU News.
The article was written in response to the recently published AEU–Monash discussion paper, School Staff, Parent/Carer and Community Partnerships in Victoria’s Public Schools, which adds yet more evidence of the value of strong educational partnerships, and indicates some promising ways to achieve them.
The discussion paper – and Gail’s article – are well worth a read.
