At IFS, staff pride themselves on the close relationships forged with our parent body. Communication will always be the key, as well as providing a supportive environment where parents and teachers feel they can trust each other with the development of the students.
I am a firm believer that by simply ‘knowing a student‘ all of the above is made easier. I can know a student’s academic skills, their allergies, their moods, their quirks but by actually spending time getting to know and understand a child, a lot of the other issues that arise just fall into place.
As a PDHPE teacher I find that due to the theory and practical element of the subject, it is somewhat easier for me to get to ‘know a child’ as I see them in a range of situations. It’s often when I increase the expectations, or challenge a student, that I really get to see what they are made of.
Secondly, for a parent to ‘like’ a teacher I feel that we must take a genuine interest in the student’s life. It is through my mentor sessions with the year 11 group that I have really forged the trust and respectful relationships needed for a parent to feel at ease with the teacher and realise that often we have the same interests at heart for their son or daughter. A student feels appreciated and a parent feels comforted if it is clear that we always want the best for that student. I have been told by some parents that they appreciate the interest I take in their child and are happy that I actually ‘get’ them. This helps me to work closely with both parents and students to encourage continual progression.
During a college term we can easily lose track of the student-parent-teacher connections due to workload or external life factors, however, in my opinion it is imperative to make these personal connections a priority.
I only have a relatively short period in life to help shape these young individuals and I relish the day to day challenge and opportunities to make the teacher-to-student bond as strong as possible. By making this a priority I know that ultimately it will be appreciated by all and make my job more enjoyable and rewarding.
Enjoy the college break and good luck to all of the Year 11 class in their HSC exams….it’s GO TIME!!!
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