The Lakes College is dedicated to creating future ready graduates. Central to achieving this mission is the vital partnership between families and the College.
When families and schools collaborate effectively, children’s learning experiences are significantly enhanced. Parents, carers and educators can play a transformative role in a child’s education, school community, extra-curricular activities and social life.
The importance of parental engagement
Engagement in education is a mutually beneficial interaction where all participants feel valued for their contributions. This goes beyond mere involvement, it encompasses a deeper emotional investment in the learning journey of young people.
Research consistently shows that when parents and carers are actively engaged in their child’s school community, it has numerous benefits, including improved wellbeing and a stronger sense of connection to the community. Children thrive when they see that their parents and carers are interested and invested in their education. This positive mindset contributes to better learning outcomes and increased resilience.
A tradition of volunteering at The Lakes College
The Lakes College has a rich history of parent and carer involvement. Our community is characterised by a spirit of volunteering and a deep commitment to supporting various aspects of school life. This level of involvement is commendable, but it prompts us to consider how we can provide even greater opportunities for parents and carers to engage more deeply in their children’s learning.
Service learning and student formation
At The Lakes College, we place a strong emphasis on service learning and holistic student formation. Programs such as the Kokoda Challenge and the Cambodia Tour offer unique opportunities for students and their parents and carers to engage in meaningful experiences together.
The Kokoda Challenge, a gruelling endurance event, not only tests physical stamina but also fosters teamwork, resilience and a sense of accomplishment. Parents and carers often participate alongside their young adults, strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories.
The Cambodia Tour, which involves both students and their parents and carers, is another profound example of our commitment to service learning. This tour provides a platform for participants to engage in humanitarian work, supporting local communities and understanding different cultural contexts. Such experiences are invaluable in developing social and emotional skills, empathy and a global perspective.
The ISQ Parents Network Program
To further enhance our partnership with parents and carers, The Lakes College has commenced a program in collaboration with the ISQ Parents Network. This program leverages contemporary research to help schools and parents strengthen their relationships and foster a deeper connection to their children’s learning. By participating in this program, the whole network of care for a learner is empowered to come together to support their educational experience and improve learner outcomes.
The Lakes College walks in partnership with our community to provide an exceptional education, developing young people of character who live out the Uniting Church story in the world. We are committed to building positive partnerships with our parents and carers.
By working together, we can create a supportive and enriching learning environment that enables our young people to thrive. As we continue to develop and implement strategies for deeper engagement, we invite all parents and carers to join us in this journey. Your involvement is crucial in shaping the future of our young people and together, we can ensure they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
