Parent/school conflicts: PV media comment

The Age has published another article about claims that parents are showing “increasing hostility and violence” towards teachers and principals.

Parents Victoria CEO Gail McHardy is quoted in the article:

Parents Victoria chief executive officer Gail McHardy said there was a minority of problem parents and issues often arise after a delayed response or miscommunication from the school.

“So the matter has often escalated by the time the parent finds us to assist them to navigate a way forward with the school,” she said.

She said this could result in a fractured relationship, where “both parties feel they have been harmed or unfairly treated by each other”.

Quality relationships are important, she said, as is funding for family engagement officers and community liaison staff. “When schools know their families and have better connections with the school community, this reduces challenges and conflict.”

Read the Age article