Parents as genuine partners in the learning of their child.
At Griffin State School we embrace parents as genuine partners in the learning of their children. Parents and family members are acknowledged and respected as their child's first teachers. Research indicates that outcomes for learners are enhanced when there are strong, positive relationships established between home and school.
It is the responsibility of both school and home to promote and facilitate positive relationships through effective, open and timely communication. Griffin State School is committed to ensuring that parents are well-informed about the life and learning of our school including school programs, policies, procedures and events. The Griffin State School community have collaborated to create processes and procedures for effective communication which is outlined in the GSS Parent and Community Communication Policy.
Parent Handbook.pdf (799KB)
Our routine communication procedures:
o Fortnightly school newsletter
o Information days/nights for specific purposes
o Class Dojo
o School website
o School Facebook page
o Q Parents
o SMS
o Parent/teacher/learner conferences
o Written formal reports each semester
When communicating all community member are expected to, and commit to:
- approach communication in an open, courteous and respectful manner, reflecting the school's values of Humanity, Integrity and Grit at all times
- listen actively to concerns, seeking clarification when necessary to better understand the other's point of view and desired outcomes
- ensure the confidentiality and privacy of all members of the school community
- seek support from the school's leadership team if required
- defer meetings to a later time if productive, respectful discussion and resolution cannot be achieved for any reason.
Classroom teachers
Your first port of call is always your child's classroom teacher. It is vital that parents form a strong, open relationship with their classroom teacher, as this is the person in the school who will know your child best. They are the person who is best served to know how best to help your child and address any concerns. Class teachers will be in contact at the beginning of the school year to arrange and outline clear communication procedures with you.
At times, you may have concerns about your child's progress, or other school matters. Minor concerns may become bigger issues if you do not address them with school staff. We have found most issues are best resolved through prompt and courteous communication, directly with your classroom teacher in the first instance.
If you contact the office staff to see someone else, they will first check that you have discussed the topic with your classroom teacher. Classroom teachers will bring any issues of concern to the appropriate person and seek assistance if needed. Please be respectful of their time in the morning particularly, and make an appointment to talk to them. Your classroom teacher is very busy most of the day and is required to begin teaching when children are under their supervision. To enable your child's teacher to address any concerns raised, please make a dedicated time to enable them to give you the full attention and time needed.
Diverse Learning Team
Our Diverse Learning Team work to support learners and teachers in providing effective pedagogies and programs for personalising learning, in particular learners with learning difficulties and/or a disability. Our Diverse Learning Team includes our Head of Diverse Learning, teachers, education assistants and school support including Guidance Officers. Classroom teachers will refer to them, so please contact classroom teachers first. One of the Diverse Learning Team members may contact you directly to discuss your child's learning needs if appropriate.
Office Team
Our school is truly blessed to have a team of dedicated office staff ready to support learners and their families. Mrs Rachael Steinhardt is our Business Manager and our front office team includes Mrs Sharon Skaines, Mrs Janelle Ostrofski, Mrs Jess Carpenter, Mrs Amanda O'Hara, Mrs Lorna Janes and Mrs Deb Scott. The team is responsible for the efficient and helpful business operations of our school, including the front office, correspondence, newsletter, facilities and financial matters. Our IT Team Mr Trent Clark and Mr Blake Reeves work tirelessly to embrace and support our learners' education by building strong professional connections in all areas from management to finance, curriculum and front-line classroom delivery and providing technological solutions. We are also grateful for the work of our School's Officers Mr Jock, Mr Steve and Mr Adam who maintain our beautiful school facilities. This team of staff are strongly connected to our learners and community.
Leadership Team
Our Principal, Deputy Principals and Heads of Learning form the Leadership Team of the school. This team works closely with staff and learners and are actively engaged in the life and learning in classrooms. Leadership Team staff will available for support in cases where learners, families and staff require more particular support or information.
Absences, late arrivals and early departures
As a matter of safety and to comply with Education Queensland requirements, parents/ carers are asked to explain a child's absence by phoning the absent line on (07) 3490 3777 or by using the QParents app.
If no explanation is received your classroom teacher will contact parents/carers in order to seek to understand what is happening for your child, and how we can support you or them.
Students who arrive late should report to the office for a 'Glad you are here' slip and to record their attendance on OneSchool.
Children are to be signed out/in at the office if they leave school early or arrive late for any reason as this needs to be recorded.
Family records — confidential
It is a parental responsibility to provide the school administration with accurate and up-to-date information for family records. This is especially important in relation to home and emergency contacts and essential custody and medical information. All information in our school database is considered confidential. Please ensure you keep your details up to date through the QParents app or call or email to update your information to admin@griffinss.edu.au