Anzac Hill High School
Northern Territory
Apurte Akaltye – irretyeke, Learning Together
The high level of family involvement in all facets of school life at Anzac Hill High School is a tribute to the strong commitment of the school community to family-school partnerships.
The entire school community has input into school governance, directions, policies and procedures, ensuring they are in line with community needs. This involvement is complemented by workshops, home visits, open days and Portfolio Chats designed to increase family interaction with the school. Local bush tucker tours, community artist programs and the creation of family trees are part of the strong focus on Indigenous culture.
Through the efforts of the school community a more harmonious environment, a significant reduction in suspension and improved student wellbeing outcomes have been achieved.
Bald Hill State School
Queensland
School forestry project
The rejuvenation of Bald Hill State School’s forestry environmental area by the school community significantly strengthened the connection between families and the school.
First established in the school grounds in 1935, the area formed the catalyst for developing positive family-school partnerships. Student clubs, workshops, working bees, guest speakers, worm farming and tree planting were among the activities undertaken and directly linked to teaching and learning programs across the curriculum.
The impact of family participation in school activities, as indicated in the school survey data, included increased student connectedness and engagement in learning and enhanced student wellbeing.
Kenmore State High School
Queensland
Parent and citizen association alliance
Recognised as the centre of the community, Kenmore State High School has succeeded in drawing its school community together to shape its directions and activities.
With its wide range of parent support groups and networks, such as Friends of the Library, the school has been highly proactive in its efforts to encourage parental involvement in the school. These networks are further enhanced by the alliance of parent and citizen associations of local schools, which have worked together to establish the Celebration of Young Ideas, an annual joint venture enabling the school community to learn and grow together and designed to influence classroom teaching.
Increasing parent involvement in the school has given rise to improved student performance and more opportunities for personal and social development.
Mount Lawley Senior High School
Western Australia
Learning partnerships
The families of Mount Lawley Senior High School have played a significant role in shaping the future learning opportunities for students.
Parental involvement with decision making groups such as the teaching and learning working party led to the development of middle and senior schooling models that have now been adopted. Parents also had a hand in establishing a highly regarded healthy food café model, Chill Out for students and staff, and the introduction of arts and music programs. Educational opportunities were also maximised through partnerships with a university and technical and further education college.
The initiatives have delivered positive outcomes across a range of areas including health and wellbeing, improved student performance, and expanded opportunities for future studies.
Nyikina Mangala Community School
Western Australia
Indigenous family-school partnership model
The families of Nykinga Mangala Community School have played a vital role in creating a thriving school culture through their hands on approach and input to school development.
Families of the parent and community run school have implemented a range of educational programs designed to equip students with the skills needed to lead strong and healthy lives. Learning programs enriched with local language and culture were designed and delivered by elders and family members.
The school has achieved a result of 87 per cent attendance, increased parent involvement in teaching and learning programs, improved literacy and numeracy outcomes, better student health and wellbeing, and increased cultural awareness.
Salisbury High School
South Australia
Care group system
Salisbury High School’s care group system has proven a highly effective and innovative way to build caring and purposeful relationships between the school and its families.
The system provides the means to develop positive family school relationships, support student wellbeing, monitor school achievement, develop pathways and encourage responsible citizenship. Up to 15 students are placed in a home group under the system and appointed a care teacher who is the primary contact for families and an advocate for individual students.
The success of the care group system is illustrated in increases in staff and student retention rates, attendance at parent teacher nights, enrolments, the number of students obtaining their first choice of university course and student uptake of vocational training and education courses.
Wanganui Park Secondary College
Victoria
Community links
Wanganui Park Secondary College’s involvement in neighbourhood renewal and community building projects has created a thriving community hub.
The college’s partnership infrastructure is firmly established and the college is committed to continuing to develop community links through its various initiatives including Families and Schools Together, and Believe and Achieve Together.
Previously isolated families now feel welcome and have greater involvement and say in their children’s education and the future direction of the college. Enrolments have increased and positive social relationships, skills and connectedness to the college community have emerged, improving the college’s standing in the local community.