In this edition of the ‘Principal’s Reflections,’ I want to touch on the subject of ‘Parent Partnership in Education’. One of the absolute delights of my role as Principal of LJBC is the amazing array of community members I get to meet from students to parents and also staff members. This term has been an absolute blessing to me as I have attended the full range of College events and functions, beginning the year for the first time with the LJBC community, as I arrived part way through 2018. Starting out together, with a sense of familiarity is light years away from my experience last year, joining the College journey well into the year. The difference can be brought down to one word, Relationship. I want to take this opportunity to thank parents, students and staff for the way you have welcomed me into our ‘College Family’, taking the time to touch base with me as the opportunity has arisen and showing me grace when I have needed it, due to a misstep or an oversight.

The main difference in 2019 for me has been the fact that due to your kindness, partnership, cooperation and patience, I now feel as though I have grown in my understanding of the LJBC context and culture, to the point that now I feel I actually may be of use to you, and able to start giving back into the community. There is more progress I need to make in getting to know you better, and I will certainly continue to take full advantage of every opportunity to continue to be active in this area. However, it is most pleasing that we are starting to see the benefits of the greater understanding we now share. Constantly in my busy schedule, I am blown away with the passion and commitment of the parents I meet who have absolute resolve toward the best possible outcomes for our students here at LJBC. Your willingness to engage in conversations which focus on solutions rather than challenges and the openness to assist in any way to bring about positive change and improvement is most heartwarming and encouraging.

Of course, the College has a responsibility in adding to this pro-active communication and partnership ‘tone’, and although we don’t always get it right, let me assure you our intent is very clear and sure, being to ‘… genuinely listen to parent voice, taking every opportunity to work together in partnership, allowing these conversations to shape the educational approach and outcomes for our students.’

I have been approached many times by parents in essence with the same query, although it may be expressed in various ways, being ‘… is there anything we can do or consider that will make things better?’ This is a great question and reflects the heart of both the parent community and the teaching faculty. There a number of initiatives we are now investigating because someone, teacher, student or parent, has given thought to this question and has taken time to communicate, discuss and explore the possibilities. Various initiatives have been introduced through events such as Vision Launch 2019, parent events and communications. However, a couple of the initiatives you may not have heard of that I am equally excited about include;

1. Red Tick Education Study Skills Program at Year 7 level, improving the skill set of students in knowing how to study Smart.

2. A parent initiative to duplicate this program in the Senior Secondary Years 10-12, focused on Advanced Study Skills for Senior Students, enabling them to work. We are investigating this parent-driven initiative as an ‘opt-in’ for Senior Students and parents to be coached in maximising educational outcomes, particularly in the context of Year 12, while maintaining sanity and stamina throughout the journey by developing healthy, effective routines and habits. So far, we have around 20 parents interested in taking part, and the discussion only started last week. This is an amazing example of effective community and parent partnership bringing about tangible educational improved outcomes.

May I encourage you, that if these initiatives are of interest to you or you have other areas of possible investigation, please do not hesitate to contact the College to begin the discussion. Who knows where it will lead and how opportunities can develop. Thank you to the many involved, proactive and passionate parents who have already taken the time to engage with us and shape our educational approach at LJBC. I assure you that it is greatly appreciated and that we are indeed listening.

I am looking forward, as always, to seeing you out and about as we interact in the vibrant LJBC community.

Sincerely

Daryl Pollard

College Principal