Something to say to your school?
- Think (about what you want to say)
- Wait (seek an appropriate time)
- Communicate (clearly and respectfully)
Most families have positive and constructive relationships with their child’s school. But sometimes things do go wrong, and feelings can run high.
In keeping with Parents Victoria’s mission, vision and goals, our objective is to encourage, influence and impact school families to be at their best when connecting to their school community.
We have developed a Tip Sheet for parents and carers, based on our central message of “Think, Wait, Communicate”. The Tip Sheet covers:
- What to consider before you make contact with the school
- How to communicate effectively with the school
- Before, during and after you meet with school staff
Related issues
Respectful Behaviours Policy
In November 2021 the Victorian Government launched a new Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy, which promotes the importance of respectful and collaborative relationships between parents and carers and school staff. The Education Department worked with PV on the policy and we are pleased they incorporated our feedback.
School Community Safety Orders
In July 2022, the State Government introduced School Community Safety Orders into schools. The Orders give Principals or delegated staff the power to ban parents from school grounds or activities if the parent’s behaviour is deemed to be ‘harmful, threatening or abusive’. Parents Victoria has consistently opposed these Orders – we don’t believe they are the way to resolve conflicts and build positive relationships between families and schools. For more information on School Community Safety Orders, see our special web page on this topic.
More resources for parents
- How to make hard conversations a little easier – article from Psychology Today
- DET Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy
