Mar 09 2009
The partnerships with the wider community
This is a tough question because, I dont think that the wider community could improve the school policies, as I have just said in the “My School Blog”, that I think the school policies are pretty good. You can read all the things the school has implemented to ensure that the students are protected and have a good understand of the healthy choices.
The school does have fences up because that is another safty concern. Because of where the school is situated, it is important to give space between the school and the community because of the elements that resides in the area. It is a safety concern. The school is not adverse to community members coming in and talking to the students so long as there is some kind link with what is being studied at the time. They get the Life Education Van to talk about the healthy choices etc with the students, who seem to like that and get something out of it. The school do go trips to enhance the learning of the students, if it links with what is being studied with the class at the time.
When talking about topics, the students are encouraged to think about the effects on the wider community, and because there is a church attached to the school, the Paster offen talks to the students and gives them different ideas to think about. This is valued and utilised in the school community. There is a big push to always think about the others who are less fortunate them and are often prayed for before class begins everyday. A little conversation occurs if questions arise from the devotion.
There are time when the school works in the council and other members of the community to look after the environment and input from the larger community and the skills that they can bring to the school environment is valued and utilised.
I feel lucky that the school I will do my prac at seems to be well organised in this area. I am sure that there is room for improvement in some areas here, but as I have only been there a short time, I can not comment any further. From what I have seen in the students and the school and parents I would say that everyone knows where the school stands on healthy choices and works together to get the best out comes for each student.
Please comment if you want.
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In your blogs you have brought up some really interesting points. I agree with you about honesty. Openness too I think is crucial to developing good relationships between students and teachers. Having a good relationship or connectedness with students means there will be more successful learning.
Modelling is also important, we must do it, because if no one does, who will? Children spend alot of time with us, we can influcence them for the better.
Well, thanks for the good thought provoking read!
It would definately be interesting to hear the response from teachers (and parents!) to ‘no fence’ schools! (especially those located on busy main roads!) I guess it is a shame that schools can’t be more open to the community in lots of ways – but unfortunately certain members of the community make this impossible! – I have heard of schools being burgled 3 times in one week, and it always makes me sad to see a school’s playground covered in graffiti! Maybe the fences should be bigger!
catch ya, Ruth.