Parental involvement in a child's education is very important for their holistic development, and this rings especially true in the unique environment of boarding schools. While physical distance may separate parents from their children during term time, maintaining open lines of communication remains paramount for the well-being and success of students.
In this article, we'll look into why parental communication matters in boarding schools, how it can be effectively carried out, and the essential reports that help to bridge the gap between home and school life.
Why Parental Communication Matters:
1. Support and Guidance: Parents provide invaluable support and guidance to their children, even from afar. Regular communication allows parents to stay informed about their child's academic progress, emotional well-being, and overall adjustment to boarding school life.
2. Building Trust: Maintaining open channels of communication builds trust between parents, students, and school staff. When parents feel involved and informed, they are likely to trust the school's decisions and feel confident in the care provided to their child.
3. Early Intervention: Effective communication enables early identification of any issues or concerns that may arise. Parents and school staff can collaborate to address challenges promptly, ensuring the best possible outcomes for students when they stay connected.
How to Facilitate Parental Communication:
1. Regular Updates: Provide regular updates to parents regarding their child's academic progress, extracurricular activities, and general well-being. This can be done through newsletters, emails, or dedicated parent portals. In schools I consult for, I have introdcued to them the end-of-term students boarding report.
2. Scheduled Check-Ins: Establishing scheduled check-in times, such as monthly phone calls or video conferences, allows parents and school staff to discuss any concerns or developments in a timely manner.
Visiting Days are also a good way to keep in touch with the parents.
3. Accessibility: Make it easy for parents to reach out to school staff when needed. Provide contact information for key personnel, such as teachers, counselors, and housemasters, and encourage parents to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Essential Reports for Parental Engagement:
1. End of Term Students Boarding House Report: This comprehensive report provides parents with insights into their child's behaviour, participation in activities, attitude towards peers and staff, and visits to the sick bay. It serves as a valuable snapshot of the child's overall well-being and involvement in boarding school life.
2. Settling-In Report: When a child first joins the boarding house, a settling-in report should be provided to parents. This report outlines the child's initial adjustment to the new environment, highlighting any challenges or successes observed during the transition period. This strategy is one of the htings I teach to the schools I consult for, and it has had tremendously positive impact in making parents trust that they have made the right choice for thir child.
Frequency of Communication:
Regular communication between parents and boarding school staff is essential for maintaining strong partnerships. While the frequency may vary depending on individual circumstances, aim for consistent updates and check-ins to keep parents informed and involved in their child's education journey.
I can't say it enought that parental communication plays a key role in the success of students in boarding schools. Boarding schools can create a supportive environment where parents feel connected and engaged in their child's educational experience if they'll prioritise communication with the parents. Together, parents and school staff can work collaboratively to ensure the well-being and academic achievement of every student.
At this point, I'd love to invite you to get copies of the book Effective Boarding House Administration. At the moment, it is the only book on boarding house management in Nigeria and it has been used in a lot of schools. Some schools outside Nigeria have also used it.
