Pick Your School Battles

WHEN AND HOW TO COMPLAIN TO YOUR KID’S SCHOOL — AND GET RESULTS!

- Taryn Das Neves

During your child’s schooling years, there will be times when either you or the school will need to address issues or concerns that crop up. How you handle these, and which issues you choose to become involved in, will either strengthen you and your child’s relationship with the school or push it towards a precarious cliff edge.

Joan Coetzee, principal of Pecanwood College’s Pre-Preparatory school at Hartbeespoort Dam, says a child’s schooling years should and must be a happy and supportive experience, and that it can be if the communication is excellent from all parties involved.

Start off by laying the groundwork for a good parent-teacher relationship. At the beginning of the school year, introduce yourself and get to know your child’s main teacher. By doing this, you not only show interest in your child’s education, you’ll also start building a relationship instead of just opting to make contact when a problem arises. In addition, your child will feel more secure within their schooling environment. Research has shown that a good parent-teacher relationship leads to better academics, children who are happier at school both emotionally and socially, and kids who are better behaved.

Issues worth raising