Partnerships Within Our Community
When we talk with our MCC parents, the affirmation we hear back is that our school provides a safe and supportive community where their children believe they can belong. That is such great feedback.
I am genuinely excited by that feedback. A safe, structured and supportive environment where students can focus on learning and growing is what every school wants to be. I am sure that every school principal wants to get that feedback from their parents.
My viewpoint on how this goal is achieved is that it arises from peaceful, proactive partnership between parents and teachers. Have a think about what our MCC parents want, it doesn’t take long to work out that they want: respect, discipline and care for their children. Parents want respect, discipline and care to shape the way the teachers support students. They want every child to be valued and nurtured into their gifts and passions.
A great thing about those hopes that parents have for their children’s school is that our teachers also want the same things. Putting it another way, we know for certain that teachers long to work in schools where there is genuine community. Teachers love being part of a school where students, parents and staff work together for one united purpose, and that is, to help every child reach their potential.
As you know, as the principal of our Christ-centred school I am passionate about applying the teachings of Jesus Christ to every situation and every interaction. Jesus’ teachings are great! He taught that we are to be loving, kind, patient, forgiving, and ready to serve others … and, it is not only me as principal who has this passion. Our staff, our teachers and our other staff are also passionate about the way the teachings of Jesus shape people and thereby shape the culture of the school.
Our education is a values-based education. We strive to reflect the teachings and example of Jesus Christ in everything we do, and even though we are a Christ-centred school, all families of all faiths, all backgrounds and all cultures are welcome. We hear from our families from other faith backgrounds again and again that they love the way we teach wholesome values; good ways to live and learn great citizenship through Christian education. Parents join our school knowing that all students will learn about the Christian faith. They will learn its teachings and values, and all students are invited to reflect on how it shapes their lives and choices. Our parents love that about this school, and so do our teachers. This is because students have the opportunity to learn how to think critically, how to act with integrity and how to treat others with respect.
With so many goals in common, it is no surprise that our students have great outcomes when the parents and the teachers are in great partnership. The stronger the commitment to partnership, the stronger the outcomes will be for the children’s learning. If the partnership is one-sided or lop-sided, the learning will reflect that and not be what it could be.
So, parents and teachers, let’s ensure we partner well with each other. Best partnership will lead to best outcomes for our children.
DAVID GLEESON, PRINCIPAL