COLLABORATION

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Collaboration is a key ingredient to success, and at St Bede’s Primary School, it is something we encourage and prioritise in our daily activities. St Bede’s values families and is in true partnership in the learning process. We work together to support our children. 

Collaboration is the act of working together towards a common goal, and it plays a significant role in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. When children collaborate with their peers, they learn to respect different perspectives, share ideas, and work towards a solution that benefits everyone involved. Our Social Justice Action Group and the Project Compassion day that was held yesterday are a beautiful example of collaboration and how to be community minded.

As educators, we strive to create a learning environment that fosters collaboration. Our teachers encourage students to work in pairs or groups to complete tasks and projects, allowing them to learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses. We also provide opportunities for students to engage in class discussions, where they can share their thoughts and opinions with their classmates, further developing their communication skills.

Collaboration is not only essential for students but also for parents and teachers. As parents, you play a critical role in your child's education, and by collaborating with teachers, we can create a supportive learning environment that benefits your child. At St Bede’s, we encourage parents to communicate regularly with teachers, providing feedback and asking questions, to ensure we are working towards a common goal of helping your child succeed.

We also encourage parents to collaborate with other parents, creating a network of support that can benefit the whole school community. This can be through volunteering, attending school events, or simply getting to know other parents in your child's class.  The Frugal Friday Uniform sale, the P & F and our School Board are examples of our parent community collaborating and working together. 

In the scripture passage above, Solomon advocates for the benefit of the human community. What we can do when we work together is better in every way than against one another or alone. Archbishop Prowse has declared 2023 a year of Walking Together across the Archdiocese. This further highlights journeying together and collaboration within a community. 

Collaboration is a crucial component of success in education and beyond. As we conclude this term, I encourage you to continue to support your child's learning by collaborating with their teachers and getting involved in the school community. Together, we can help our children reach their full potential.

Regards

Andrew