Mr Mark Ramsay, Principal
Kuyper Christian School is unashamedly a Parent-Partnership School. We recognise the God-given responsibility of parents to raise their children.
Last week, I asked a question: What difference should this recognition make to the actions and attitudes of each member in that partnership? I also shared some ideas about how the school demonstrates this Parent-School Partnership. In brief, as the school partners with parents, we commit to teaching students to respect their parents, communicating with you, and seeking to know and love each student individually.
Today, I want to explore some ways you, as parents, can express your partnership with the school.
Mutual respect grounded in relationship
In partnership, I would hope that parents respect and trust the school staff and give them the benefit of the doubt. Communication and good relationships are the keys to this trust. Get to know your childrens’ teachers, the principal, our support staff, and the office staff. Let them know that you believe the best of them so that if a problem arises, finding solutions will be supported by a strong foundation of mutual trust and respect.
Valuing the role of the school
In partnership, I would hope that parents support the teachers’ role and the school’s authority. Schools need structure and consistency to be effective. Engage with the information the school provides about our policy and practices. Make sure you understand what is expected of your children so that you can be a supportive and effective partner in your child’s learning journey.
Participation
In partnership, I would hope that parents are involved. Your child’s education is ultimately your God-given responsibility; you are their primary educator. Invest in knowing what your children are doing at school, ask your class teacher what you can be doing to support your child’s learning at home, and take every opportunity to participate in our school community. You are a vital partner in your child’s education, and your contribution is valuable.
As with any partnership, it won’t all be smooth sailing, but there is also great blessing in a partnership founded on God’s truth and a mutual desire to grow in maturity and wisdom.
In our Parent-School Partnership, it is my hope that both parents and the school will commit to each other in ways that honour God, honour one another, and create a learning environment in which students can flourish. Praise God, I have already enjoyed the blessing of these types of partnerships at work in our school. I pray that they will grow and strengthen this year.