ST ALOYSIUS' COLLEGE
SCHOOL HANDBOOK

PARENTAL SUPPORT

Successful education is based on a supportive and co-operative partnership between home and school. It is clearly important that parents take an active interest in their child's school life and are seen to promote attitudes of hard work, involvement in the life of the school, and commitment to studies, sport and co-curricular activities.

From long experience, we would suggest the following as some practical ways in which you can support your child's education at the College':

Be Positive!	Unless the school has told you (through reports, Q-forms, parents' evenings or other contact) that your child is not working, be constructive and encouraging in your comments rather than nagging or critical. If you have doubts about the quality or quantity of their work do get in touch with the appropriate Housemaster or Head of Section in the Junior School.
Homework	Take an interest in school work that goes beyond the casual or occasional enquiry. Ask to see homework every night and check it against the homework timetable and diary. Junior School and S1/S2 pupils must have their homework diaries signed by a parent every night.
Home Routines	Establish a daily routine as early as possible: have clear times and conditions for homework, including at weekends. Insist that books, equipment and kit for the next day are prepared the night before. Make sure that you, as the parent, have a copy of the lessons timetable, homework timetable and any exam schedules. Know which days are Games or PE days.
A Place for Study	Try to provide a study space at home. This should have an adequate desk or table, a desk lamp, and a good supply of pens, paper, dictionaries and basic reference books. Establish rules and routines that will minimise distractions from radio, TV, computer games, and brothers and sisters.
Books	The College Library is a significant resource, particularly for senior pupils. The Library has a policy of open access (i.e. it is never locked) and is open between 7.00am and 6.00pm every day. Please encourage your son/daughter to use the library.Pupils should also belong to and use a public library. Many senior pupils choose to use the huge resources of the Mitchell Library (a few minutes walk from the College).
Computers	It is now essentail for pupils to have a computer with internet access at home. The school is putting considerable effort and resources into developing web-based resources for learning on its myrtle website. Class notes and homework assignments are increasingly given to pupils on the internet. If connected to the internet, parents may wish to install software that locks out certain undesirable areas of the net. It is also important that parents check the computer is not being used for games when homework is supposed to be done! It is always a good idea to ask to see the results of time spent on the computer in the name of schoolwork!
Sport and Activities	Do encourage involvement in sports and other co-curricular activities. Don't make the mistake of discouraging activities during exams or in exam years. It is often the busiest and most committed children who do best at studies precisely because they lead a varied life which reduces stress and so enhances academic performance. You can look at the Sports Fixtures page on our website to see if Saturday matches are on or cancelled. It saves as wasted journey! Do come along and support sports fixtures, plays and concerts, fundraising events, and other activities - even when your own child is not directly involved.
School Discipline	Do support the school's policies and the actions of individual teachers in disciplinary matters. It is important that parents and staff are seen to support each other and to work together to promote hard work, good behaviour and high expectations. If you feel your child has been unfairly treated, please contact the Housemaster or Head of Section in the Junior School. There is an appeal system for pupils to use in the Senior School before parents become involved.
Communication & Rumours!	Don't hesitate to contact your child's Housemaster (or Head of Section in the Junior School) if there is anything you are concerned about. A simple 'phone call at an early stage can often avoid a serious problem later. These staff are eager to hear from parents and to get to know the families of their charges well. Making and maintaining informal contact in the early pays off as a child moves through the often more difficult teenage years. In a large institution such as the College, rumours can often start and spread quickly, upsetting people needlessly. The Head Master is always very willing to take 'phone calls from parents who are concerned about something. There are few secrets and a real desire to provide parents with as much information as possible. The school values parents' views. The main way in which the school communicates with parents is through our website. Please check it at least once a week (especially the Noticeboard and Calendar pages).