Wellington wins the Leading Parent Partnership Award
Learning does not begin and end with the ringing of the school bell. It is not put on pause at the weekend. Our children learn every waking hour, and they are only under our care for a fraction of the day. The parents’ role in their child’s education, therefore, cannot be overstated. Numerous studies have shown that pupils whose parents are fully engaged have better outcomes in everything from academics to mental health and wellbeing. This is why at Wellington, we believe that our pupils’ success depends on a strong partnership between our parents and teachers.
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As a testament to our commitment to parent-teacher partnerships, we are proud to have recently received the Leading Parent Partnership Award (LPPA). The LPPA is awarded to schools that undergo a rigorous assessment process that evaluates their current level of parent engagement. It recognises schools that take effective steps to establish strong partnerships with parents and carers. The award also helps schools improve their communication and engagement with parents while promoting their involvement in their child's education.
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Communication is Key
Strong relationships are built upon a foundation of openness, honesty and respect. Part and parcel of this is clear communication. And communication is about more than sharing information; it is about building trust. We maintain several channels of communication between our parents and teachers. This is to ensure transparency and provide a constructive outlet for parent feedback. Regular reports and parent-teacher conferences, however, are only a starting point.
Activities like our Town Hall Meetings or our Coffee Mornings, for example, are a wonderful opportunity for Wellington parents to get acquainted with Wellington Master Brendon Fulton and our leadership team. Both serve as a forum in which to share the College’s latest developments and upcoming plans. In the process, bonds are built, and friendships are forged in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere
Activities like our Town Hall Meetings or our Coffee Mornings, for example, are a wonderful opportunity for Wellington parents to get acquainted with Wellington Master Brendon Fulton and our leadership team. Both serve as a forum in which to share the College’s latest developments and upcoming plans. In the process, bonds are built, and friendships are forged in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Guidance every step of the way
Parenting is a learning process. No one comes to it with all the knowledge they need, which is why we also organise parent workshops. Through these, our parents can gain valuable insights into how they can support their child’s learning at every stage of development. For our parents with children in the Early Years Centre, for example, we share coping strategies for the challenges of going to school for the first time. Parents with older pupils benefit from workshops on how to build a healthy relationship with technology. We offer talks for parents and pupils beginning their search for the right university or career options. We also recognise that our parents have plenty of insights to share. We often invite them to conduct career workshops for our pupils.
For our newest parents, we strive to make the transition to Wellington as smooth and welcoming as possible. Before the academic year starts, we invite them to attend Induction Day with their children. It is a way for them to get oriented on the campus and meet teachers who will be guiding their children on their learning journey. Our school may be rooted in British traditions of education, but we are, at heart, an international school community. Our parent-teacher organisation, the Friends of Wellington (FOW), therefore, connects new parents to language leaders. These are volunteers who help the new non-English speaking parents in our community overcome any communication barriers they may encounter. The Wellington Community has families from over 45 territories and countries. There is always somebody on hand who can help bridge any gaps.
Engaged parents, happier pupils
The FOW offers a wide range of opportunities for parental engagement in the Wellington Community as well. It leads the charge in several charity initiatives, raising funds for local and international causes. It organizes the College’s key events, the Winter Bazaar, the Summer Festival and the International Food Festival. The Wellington Replay Store is another great initiative. It creates a marketplace where Wellingtonians can buy and sell pre-loved school supplies and uniform accessories. Additionally, parents can participate in sporting events held on campus, such as the recent Wellington World Cup, which saw a friendly football match between parents and teachers. By participating in these activities, parents can not only support the school community but also build connections with other families and teachers.
This strong sense of community and belonging has powerful positive downstream effects on our pupils. When our children know that they are cared for, a fundamental need is being met. They then have the bandwidth to grow, develop and pursue deep and meaningful learning. By working together, we can inspire our pupils to become curious, creative and confident young adults who are ready to take on the world’s challenges. We are proud to have received the LPPA, and we will continue to build on this foundation. And, with the help of our parents, we can provide our pupils with an education that is truly life changing.
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