The Priorities of a Parent -

College Partnership

Parenting a teenager is both rewarding and challenging, but I want to remind you of something powerful: parents are still the most important influence in your child’s life.

But please remember - you are not alone. I know it may not always feel that way. Social media, friends, and the pressures of growing up can make it seem like your voice is drowned out. But your guidance, your expectations, and your boundaries, matter more than ever. And together, in partnership with the college, your daughter or son can achieve their true potential and develop into the young women and men we all hope they can be.

Five key priorities where our college and parents need to be a strong partnership are:

1. Student Attendance and Punctuality

Why it matters: Consistent attendance is directly linked to academic success.
How parents can help: Ensure your child arrives on time and attends regularly. Schedule vacations outside of term time and communicate promptly about absences.

2. Behaviour and Respect

Why it matters: A respectful, safe learning environment benefits everyone.
How parents can help: Reinforce school rules and expectations at home. Support staff when behaviour issues arise, and model respectful communication and conflict resolution.

3. Use of Technology and Social Media

Why it matters: Misuse can affect learning, wellbeing, and relationships.
How parents can help: Monitor device use at home, talk openly about responsible behaviour online, and back school policies on digital conduct.

4. Academic Support and High Expectations

Why it matters: Students thrive when both school and home hold high expectations.
How parents can help: Encourage strong work habits, support homework routines, and stay informed about academic progress. Communicate with teachers and attend parent meetings.

5. Spiritual and Faith Formation

Why it matters: A student’s spiritual growth and faith formation is integral to our mission of providing a Christ-centred community founded on Marist and Carmelite values and virtues.
How parents can help: Fostering open communication, sharing values, and encouraging student engagement/attendance in college events and activities that nurture student’s faith, character, and moral development.

When parents and schools work together, students feel supported, understood, and more motivated to succeed. Strong partnership isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Stay safe, keep well, go gently. 

Ms Samantha Giles