Pointers for Parents

Here are some tips for parents based on advice from teachers across the province:

1. Encourage your child to develop a positive outlook toward school.
2. Stay in contact with your child’s teachers.
3. Attend parent–teacher meetings, school plays and concerts, social events, exhibitions, fairs and sports events.
4. Inform the school in advance (whenever possible) of your child’s absence from school.
5. Avoid taking holidays during school time.
6. Avoid making appointments outside school during school hours (unless it’s essential).
7. Meet with school staff (in confidence, if necessary) when an incident involving your child arises in school.
8. Cooperate with the school when solving problems related to your child.
9. Inform school staff of issues that might affect your child’s progress or behaviour.
10. Watch for changes in your child’s mood or behaviour that might suggest problems at school.
11. Review your child’s homework and assignments, and sign diaries or planners.
12. Provide access to reading and study materials (library, bookstores, Internet).
13. Read all communications (newsletters, reports and report cards) from school.
14. Encourage your child to participate in school activities outside regular school hours (sports, drama, art, chess, and tennis and photography clubs).
15. Spend time with your child at the end of each school day, reviewing lessons, assisting with homework or listening to your child’s views and opinions.