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September 26, 2017

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Active and involved parents have a key role to play

I believe the key things for the teacher and school to remember are:

1. Different parents have different preferences about how they receive communications. It is important for schools to reach out to parents in many different formats which is why NAIS Pudong has a broad communication strategy including direct emails to parents, Class Dojo, social media, daily email summaries and academic review evenings.

2. International schools have a very diverse population of parents and students who may have come from different school systems. Ensuring that we communicate well is important as is finding out the needs of each family.

3. The vast majority of parents are hugely supportive with their child’s education. The more information a teacher can provide to help them do that — the better!

4. Listening and acting upon parent feedback is very important. An active parent community can make a really positive impact on school life.

5. Most communication between teachers and parents is about sharing exciting learning experiences and celebrating success. Occasionally, there is a need to discuss more challenging topics such as a pupil’s work ethic or conduct — this sort of communication is always better face to face or over the phone than through an email. Some key points:

1. Informal as well as formal channels of communication are very important. It is a great idea to take advantage of opportunities to meet teachers and other parents at school events such as coffee mornings, meet and greet evenings or sports fixtures.

2. Teachers spend most of their day in classes and with children and when they aren’t doing this, they are usually busy planning. So it isn’t always possible to respond to emails and other communication immediately.

3. Education is rapidly changing. Often, a parent’s frame of reference is their own school days, although parent workshops and information evenings can often give you a better insight into what is happening in your child’s classroom.

4. Never be reticent about getting in touch or asking a question. We are always happy to hear from our parents and always happy to share information

5. Social media can be a valuable way to connect parents, share information and cement a school community. But it’s probably not the best forum to share worries or concerns — It’s better to go directly to the person at the school.




 

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