The Importance of Communication at Warrigal Road School
At Warrigal Road School, we believe in the power of effective communication to build a strong, supportive, and vibrant school community. Communication forms the bridge between home and school, enabling us to work together to ensure the best possible educational outcomes for our students. It fosters an environment of trust, respect, and partnership, which are essential for the growth and development of our students.
The Heart of Communication: Your Child's Classroom Teacher
When it comes to understanding and supporting your child's learning journey, the best person to talk to is the one who is closest to them at school: their classroom teacher. Classroom teachers spend significant time with your child, observing and engaging with them in a variety of learning situations. This unique perspective makes them the most informed and insightful resource for parents and guardians seeking to understand their child's academic and social development.
Why Direct Communication Matters
Direct communication with your child's teacher can clarify expectations, highlight achievements, address concerns, and discuss strategies to support learning at home. It ensures that information is accurate and timely, preventing misunderstandings and enabling proactive collaboration. By engaging directly with your child's teacher, you can gain insights into your child's strengths, areas for improvement, and how their experiences at school are shaping their learning and growth.
How to Communicate Effectively
We encourage parents and guardians to reach out to their child's teacher through the established channels provided by the school. Whether it's scheduling a face-to-face meeting, making a phone call, or sending an email, choosing the appropriate mode of communication is key. Remember, for urgent or sensitive matters, a direct conversation is often the most effective way to communicate.
It's also important to approach communication with openness, respect, and a willingness to listen. Our teachers are committed to your child's well-being and success, and they value constructive, supportive dialogue with parents and guardians.
Beyond the Classroom
While the classroom teacher is your primary contact, Warrigal Road School has a dedicated team of professionals who support our students' educational journey. From specialist teachers and specialist staff to members of the leadership team, we all play a role in creating a nurturing and effective learning environment. We encourage parents to stay engaged with the broader school community through newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, and school events.
At Warrigal Road School, we are committed to fostering strong, open lines of communication between home and school. We believe that when parents and educators work together, we can achieve the best outcomes for our students, helping them to thrive both academically and personally. Your child's classroom teacher is your partner in this endeavour, and we encourage you to maintain a close, collaborative relationship with them throughout your child's educational journey at Warrigal Road School. Together, we can ensure that every child reaches their full potential.
Communication Guidelines for Email Communication
Emails should not be used to communicate urgent or critical matters. It is always best to speak with the member of staff concerned by telephone or in person. Please contact the school to arrange an interview to discuss urgent or critical matters with the appropriate person. If the teacher is unavailable due to teaching their class, a delegated officer will be allocated to your call, or a message will be taken and followed up promptly.
When sending emails to multiple addresses, the author should always place the email addresses in the BCC box. This prevents sharing other people's email addresses without their permission, which may not have been granted for group sharing. This guideline applies to both parents and school staff in our school.
Never use email for matters of controversy or real distress. For serious matters, it is always best to meet with the teacher directly.
Email may be useful for parents who have difficulty getting in to see the teacher. It can serve as a means to make an appointment.
Due to the nature of their work, teachers spend most of their time in the classroom. When not teaching, they may be in staff meetings, on excursions, or engaged in planning, marking, or duty. Given their range of duties, it may take longer than a parent might wish for them to respond to an email or telephone call. Generally, teachers will endeavor to respond within three working days. If a parent sends an email at 8:30 a.m., a teacher may not see it until after their classes for the day. Teachers may not respond to emails before 8 a.m., after 4 p.m., or on weekends, as they are focusing on their own families or personal responsibilities. If you have not received an expected response, follow up with a written note or telephone call.
It is important to reflect on the tone, timing, and content of an email message before sending it. Emails written in haste or anger rarely resolve issues; in fact, they can exacerbate problems. Harshly written or emotionally charged emails often lead to regret. The rules for civility in email are the same as in face-to-face interactions. A positive tone can set the stage for a cordial relationship with teachers and school personnel. Avoid saying anything in an email that you wouldn't want to be made public. Any inappropriate or offensive language or comments deemed defamatory will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities and will not be tolerated.
Some staff members have many different responsibilities, so it is important to ensure you have contacted the correct person to address your specific question or issue.
Emails are a quick and convenient way to communicate "good news." You are encouraged to use email to send messages of encouragement and support to the school staff.
Please Keep in Mind: Each of our teachers has at least 25 students. Teachers are committed to communicating with parents and want to know if a student is experiencing difficulties at home or at school. Responding to emails takes time and thought.