Dear Parents and Carers
I am writing to share an update regarding the alignment of our reporting systems across our College. As we focus on Curriculum Development as part of our strategic goals, we have identified the need to enhance other areas as well.
Throughout previous years, we’ve had the opportunity to engage with you during coffee mornings, face-to-face events, and informal discussions at drop-off and pick-up. Your valuable feedback has highlighted the desire for more dedicated time with your child’s class teacher to discuss their progress. In response to this, we have established specific dates as part of our reporting cycle.
- 28 September – Initial Parent-Teacher Meeting: This meeting will provide a 10-minute opportunity to understand how your child has settled in, discuss their initial goals, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
- 4-7 December – Parent-Teacher Conference: These 20-minute conferences will allow for a detailed discussion on your child’s progress throughout the first term.
- 14 March – Three-Way Conferences: More information about these conferences will be provided closer to the date. They offer a collaborative platform for you, your child, and the teacher to discuss progress, achievements, and areas for growth.
- 18 June – Student-Led Conference: Details about this conference will be shared as the date approaches. It provides an opportunity for your child to take the lead in showcasing their learning journey.
In addition to these scheduled interactions, two reports will be provided during the year, one in January/February and the other in June. These reports, along with the face-to-face discussions, will offer a comprehensive view of each student’s strengths, areas for growth, and progress over time.
We firmly believe that primary education should involve meaningful discussions about your child’s progress. While reports are essential for record-keeping and can be helpful in case of relocation, they sometimes do not capture the richness of day-to-day work and learning that takes place. Face-to-face conversations provide a more comprehensive understanding, which is why we have decided to replace the Term 1 report with a 20-minute discussion. By engaging in an initial conversation in September, followed by an in-depth discussion in December, and receiving a report in January, you will gain a clearer picture of your child’s strengths and areas for further development.
You will continue to receive newsletters from teachers, providing valuable information about the learning experiences across our Units of Inquiry. Additionally, we will be having a parent information session ‘Introduction to the Primary Years Programme’, for those who would like a refresher or are new to the programme.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information and for your ongoing support. At Discovery College, we are committed to using evidence-informed practices to continually develop and improve. By encouraging more conversations and fostering a sense of belonging within our community, we aim to build a culture of understanding and collaboration. Together, we provide the best possible education for your children.
Best wishes
Mrs Cathrae