Demographic responses: Code: DPB

Post level Deputy principal

Gander Female

Teaching experience 24 years-11years as DP

Academic qualifications BA, HDE,HONS (BMA),MBA and ACE (educational leadership and management)

Age group 41-50 years range

Ethnic group African

1. RESEARCHER -- How do you encourage the participation of parents on children’s education in your school?

DPB1 ‘Er... we encourage parental participation through parent meetings at the beginning of the year, different grade meetings (12, 11 and 10 & 9 graders) and individual-parent teacher meetings when necessary…….map up school program /school year plan, assessment (tests) program and pass requirements to parents at the beginning of the year. We inform parents on the school expectations from them /the role as parents of learners in the school are expected to play on the learning of their children at home and school. Additionally, we even invite the members of department of education to address parents on their role. Furthermore, we inform parents that the school will invite them to the portfolio day, to see the progress of learners. The school also encourage parents by introduces teachers, teaching their children in each subject and grade.’

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2. RESEARCHER -- What academic role do parents play to improve students’ performance in you school?

DPB1 “Er... we encourage parents to check their children’s books regularly. Furthermore they are free to come to school concerning the progress of their children.

3. RESEARCHER -- What activities do parents participates in your school?

DPB1 ‘The school identifies non- performing learners and invite their parents to school, then investigate home circumstances with the purpose of advising the parent on what can be done at home to improve learner academic performance. For example, in some cases parents give more home-chores to children at home, and this serves as a barrier on child’s school work. However, on such cases we encourage parents to reduce home chores and playing time (TV time) on the child to increase the study time. Furthermore if learner did not do his/her homework we call parent in (we need cooperation on their part) to make sure that such work is done in good manner.

4. RESEARCHER-- What means of communication does your school utilize when communicating with parents of learners?

DPB1’ we are communicating with parents in the form of school letters to parents, telephone; however, this communication strategy needs to be improved because some learners do not give invitation letters to parents. I remember one parent who reported that he/her only heard about the meeting from another parent, but not from the letter of the school, which was supposed to be given by his/her child to him/her (parent) concerning the date and time of the meeting. I think the school needs to utilize short massage system (SMS) to communicate with parents, since our school has enough resources in this regard.

5. RESEARCHER -- How does your school utilise community resources for the benefit of teaching and learners?

DPB1 ‘Learners use community library. The school has a good relationship with the community members and organization. Such as, Universities in cape town, Love Life (a child’s health promoting non-profit community organization) to support learners, social

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workers, school nurses, psychologists, big companies donate finds, since the school is a no fee and community police.’

6. RESEARCHER -- In what way/s does your school attract parents to work as volunteers for the benefits of their school?

DPB1‘‘There is no focus plan on parent volunteers in the school, yet, because of poverty (all the time parents demand payment or reward in order to participate on school activities).’’ 7. RESEARCHER -- What are the actual functions of the school governing bodies in which parents participate in your school?

DPB1 ‘They are dealing with school finances, drawing budget. For instance, SGB members are responsible for checking and discussing financial statements, financial report, and handling general parent meetings regarding on school finances. Furthermore, the SGB members form part of the selecting panel during the filling of advertised post by making their recommendations for teaching and non-teaching staff candidature, adopting school policies.’’

8. RESEARCHER -- How do you support parents in creating their homes for learning environment?

DPB1 ‘‘we always encourage parents to check their children’s work at home regularly.’’ 9. RESEARCHER-- In what way/s do parents involved in decision making in your school?

DPB1 ---‘They are involved in the form of SGB meetings, general parents meeting to report everything happening in their school. For instance, when we have school projects, we do consultation with school governing body’. Furthermore, we communicate with parents through the letters on our school programs. For example, if the school will end early, about holiday classes, and after school study periods.’’

10. RESEARCHER -- What are the causes of lack of parental participation on school activities?

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DPB1-- ‘Ineffective method of communication with parents (letters), Parental Work conditions, time constraints (after school 6pm does not work), distance between home and school (some parents leave a bit far from school, they public transport to school).’’

11. RESEARCHER -- How do overcome barriers to parental participation on school activities?

DPB1 ‘‘Improve communication means. For example (SMS), changing time and date for the meetings’’