Parenting Australia

Matching Schools and Families

When my daughter was still in nappies, I put her name down on the waiting list at two kindergartens (I’m in Qld) and two primary schools. As a teacher turned full time mum, I had already spent a lot of time considering what was important to me when looking for a school, and I was only too aware of how quickly waiting lists fill. Many friends laughed at me.

No one’s laughing now. My daughter starts kindergarten in six months time, and I am assured of a place in one kindy or the other because her name was down early. I may even get to choose which days of the week she will attend. Many mums I know are now starting to panic about schools too. They thought selecting a school was a bridge they could leave until it was time to cross it, but have suddenly realised that by putting it off they have limited their options.

If you still have a couple of years up your sleeve, spend some time considering the kind of school that will be a good match for your family. I say family because it’s likely that all of your children will go to the school you select, not just your firstborn. I also say family because there is a lot of interaction that needs to happen between parents and schools. Really, your whole family will be in a relationship with the school you choose for quite some time!

The first step to establishing a new relationship is getting to know each other. It’s as easy as ringing the office and setting up a first date an appointment. Some schools have a registrar who may offer you a group tour around the grounds during class hours, other schools may prefer a more informal wander and chat.

When visiting a school, remember that you are not looking for perfection, you are looking for a good match. Focus on the big picture of the school and try not to get bogged down in minor details which are likely to change over time anyway. Have your prepared list of questions ready, and use the same list if you visit several schools so that you can make fair comparisons. It might be wise to limit yourself to five questions in each section.

You might find it helpful to ask questions about:

· Educational basics (eg: What methods will be used when teaching my child? How will progress be assessed and reported? What subjects will be covered? How is reading taught? What support is provided if my child struggles?)

· Additional opportunities (eg: What specialist lessons are offered to all students? Which extra curricula activities are available and at what age? Would it be possible to see the school’s library? Are there opportunities for enrichment or extension? What access will my child have to technology?)

· Practical issues (eg: What costs should we expect? What numbers are class sizes limited to? How does the school communicate with parents? Is there a school bus? Do you provide Outside School Hours Care?)

· Other (eg: May I have a copy of the school’s prospectus? Do you have a behaviour management policy? How is bullying dealt with? What will be expected of me as a parent? Do you require adherence to a Statement of Faith?)

Different schools have different strengths. State Schools, Private Schools, Christian Schools, Boarding Schools, Special Schools... they all have their advantages and disadvantages. My advice as a teacher and a mother is to let go of your preconceived ideas about types of schools, and simply seek out a school that is a good match for your family. Oh, and don’t leave it too late.

Please share your thoughts on this blog at our forum.

Catherine Oehlman is a SAHM currently being raised by a terrific toddler and a curious crawler. Her background in primary education, love of the mothering journey and compulsion for writing collide on her SquiggleMum blog. Cath encourages other parents from all walks of life to maximise the time they spend with their children.

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