Helping families support student success: A resource for schools

Schools have an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with families and support student learning and wellbeing.

Kim Walker, Expert Teacher in Residence at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, shares practical advice that educators can pass on to parents and carers. By celebrating progress, engaging with teacher feedback and setting achievable goals, families can help children approach school with confidence.

Schools are encouraged to share the following tips through newsletters, parent portals or other communication channels.

Supporting student success together

Families play an important role in supporting learning beyond the classroom. Regular conversations about school and open communication with teachers can help children build confidence, resilience and a positive attitude towards learning.

Celebrate wins

Encourage parents and carers to recognise what their child has already achieved this year.

They can:

• Ask their child what they are most proud of.
• Celebrate effort as well as achievement.
• Highlight strengths such as resilience, curiosity and kindness.
• Remind their child how much they have learned since the beginning of the year.

Focusing on progress helps children recognise their strengths and builds the confidence to keep learning.

Make the most of teacher feedback

Reports are a valuable opportunity for families to reflect on learning and plan for the term ahead.

Parents and carers can:

• Ask their child what they think about their report before sharing their own thoughts.
• Focus on both strengths and areas for growth.
• Revisit teacher feedback throughout the term to celebrate progress.
• Identify areas where additional support may be helpful.

Regular conversations between families and teachers help ensure children receive consistent support at home and at school.

Set goals together

Small, achievable goals can help students stay motivated and focused.

Parents and carers can:

• Ask their child what they would like to achieve this term.
• Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.
• Set aside time to reflect on progress through conversation or journalling.
• Celebrate milestones along the way.

Taking time to reflect helps children recognise how far they have come and identify what they want to work towards next.