BAYVIEW Newsletter ISSUE 15 Monday 20 May 2013
www.bayview.vic.edu.au
Risen Jesus, renew us by your Holy Spirit. From the Principal– Dr Michelle Kearney According to researchers, children whose parents are actively involved in their education are at an advantage. One of the most notable indicators of early involvement is higher academic achievement. Researchers have shown that parental involvement not only benefits children but it also benefits parents and the school. When the relationship between the school and family is trusting and collaborative there are benefits for all, but most importantly the student. Research on improving educational outcomes for students supports the cooperation of those who have the greatest influence on them, namely parents and teachers. There is unequivocal evidence that parental involvement makes a significant difference to educational achievement. When schools and parents are able to work together in constructive and meaningful ways much can be achieved. Over the last few weeks we have had a number of opportunities to strengthen and increase the opportunities for Bayview parents to connect with the school. I acknowledged last week the wonderful work of our parent volunteers who contribute so much of their time and talent. The Parents and Friends Association have met twice this term and are excitedly working on some amazing projects which they will inform us all about over the coming weeks and months. Some projects are aimed at building a stronger sense of community amongst the parent body through the development of a variety of events that will provide camaraderie, fun and entertainment. A number of proven fundraising activities will occur again along with some new ideas. A small group of parents attended the seminar last week with Paul Dillon on Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs. Paul worked with Year 11 and 12 students during the day and staff from Bayview and other schools in the afternoon. Paul is an entertaining and fascinating speaker who provoked all parents with the information and advice that he presented. If you were unable to attend you might like to go online and look at this presentation which is similar to the one he presented. http://darta.net.au/ wordpress-content/uploads/2013/02/ADOLESCENT-BRAIN-AND-ALCOHOL.pdf 35% of parents responded to the Curriculum parent survey. We thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and observations. The information obtained from the survey, and from the parents who attended the forum will be incorporated as part of our curriculum review. “ When families are involved in their children’s education in positive ways, children can achieve higher grades and test scores, have better attendance at school, complete more homework, demonstrate more positive attitudes and behaviour, graduate at higher rates and have greater enrolment in higher education.” Henderson & Berla (1994)