Research on effective schooling points to the importance of the extent to which parents and the community at large are both supportive of, and involved in, the school.The evidence is consistent and positive; families have a major influence on their children’s achievement. When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer and like school more. The most recent United States research summarised the key findings as; Students whose families are involved in their learning:

• Earn higher grades, have higher graduation rates and are more likely to enrol in post-secondary education.
• Have better social skills and display more positive attitudes towards schooling.
• Attend school regularly.

The College’s aim is to continually improve our parental and community connection and involvement and encourage support for our work on improving student learning.

The College Council carries ultimate responsibility for setting the direction and ethos of Strathmore Secondary College. It decides on broad policy issues, establishes development priorities and oversees the structure of the College curriculum.

Council has 15 members: 7 elected parent representatives, 5 staff representatives (including the College Principal) and 3 co-opted members (two of whom are students of the College).

Each member of Council serves for a two year term before being eligible for re-election. Half of the members retire each year, hence the need for annual elections. Any parent of a child enrolled at the College is eligible to stand for election as a parent member of Council.

The Parents' Association Planning Group meets once per term to discuss curriculum issues and to provide advice on other issues that affect the day to day running of the College.

The Parents' Association Planning Group also organises a number of parent evenings which aim to provide information to all parents on curriculum aspects of the College, such as student welfare services and demonstrations of programs run by the various faculties.


Parents Association Meeting Minutes Archive