“The important role of parents and the community is an often over-looked aspect of schooling,” says Vivienne Pearce, Council President.
Research has shown time and time again that family involvement in schools improves student achievement, with better grades, attendance, attitude and behaviour. Parents and communities benefit too, feeling connected and together building a safer, stronger community. The school becomes more than an educational institution and is a hub for community interaction.
This win-win situation is a relationship worth celebrating!
Council hopes that the week, which coincides with Public Education Week, will get more parents through the doors of their children’s school so that they can enjoy the benefits.
“Schools are holding community breakfasts, art shows, family picnics, community parties, photography competitions, neighbourhood walks and discos during the week,” says Ms Pearce. “These events are a great chance for teachers, students, parents and other community members to interact.”
The events are being run by the P&C Association at each school.
“Community events make it easier for parents to become involved by helping them to feel like they belong, eroding barriers between parents and teachers and fostering respect. When that happens, parents become more engaged with the school and their child’s education, and we see the benefits flow.”
Campbell Primary School P&C President, Kerryn Vine-Camp says that the entire school is very much looking forward to their Community Party next week.
“There will be displays from community groups, local entertainment and an art competition. Campbell Primary School is very fortunate to be so well supported by the surrounding community, this is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the value and importance of the wider community in supporting our children."
(Image courtesy www.flickr.com/photos/ryry9379/3475641965/)
The Week of Celebrating School Communities runs from May 17 to 24. Some highlights of the week include:
WEEKEND of May 17&18
- Walkathon, Florey Primary.
MONDAY May 19
- Art Show Opening (Cheese and wine evening), Giralang Primary.
- NRMA road safety and Science Day with parent workshop in the afternoon, Lyneham Primary
TUESDAY May 20
- Walk to school and Pancake Breakfast, Lyneham Primary. What better way to get everyone walking to school and chatting along the way, than the promise of pancakes when they arrive?
- Community Fun Night at McDonalds Tuggeranong with give-aways, face painting and buskers, Bonython Primary (5 - 8pm).
FRIDAY May 23
- Disco, Wanniassa Hills Primary.
- 'Tour de Lyneham', where kids and the community ride (or walk) around the wetlands together, Lyneham Primary.
SATURDAY May 24
- Monster Garage Sale, Duffy Primary.
- Community Party, including BBQ, art/photography comp, community displays and entertainment, Campbell Primary.
- Open Day, Yarralumla Primary.
- Narrabundah Early Childhood School's Disco, 3 - 5pm. Up to 100 babies, toddlers, children up to 8 years old and their parents will be celebrating a community event for the school.
ALL WEEK (May 19-23)
- "My Macgregor" Photography Competition, with prizes for the photographs which best capture the essence of the suburb, Macgregor Primary.
- Art Show featuring the work of local artists and, of course, the school's students, as well as a public portrait competition, Giralang Primary.
What is the Week of Celebrating School Communities all about? Find out more.
If your school has something planned for the week, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
May 5, 2014