Concerned with How an Issue Was Handled?
If you have concerns about issues your child is facing at school that appear to have gone unresolved, it's recommended to contact your child’s homeroom teacher to discuss the matter further.
Often, such discussions can clarify any misconceptions or misunderstandings regarding whether or how an issue was addressed, or even provide additional context to the situation. Even if the issue involves other staff members, starting with the homeroom teacher is appropriate as they hold primary responsibility for your child.
During the conversation between the teacher and parent, a plan of action can be decided upon to ensure that the issue is addressed and resolved. It's important to recognize that students may share stories and situations from their perspective, often presenting themselves in a positive light. By asking questions to gain a better understanding of the situation and your child’s actions, you can obtain context and perspective. This understanding will be valuable for navigating future situations that may arise..
Issues between Adults
As adults, we take the issue of workplace professionalism very seriously. Staff works hard to maintain a harmonious relationship with all parents and with each other. However, from time to time there will be issues or relationships that become strained. Staff will always maintain a professional relationship and never let an adult issue affect how your child is dealt with. Please see the next section around communication strategies for parents for suggestions on how to communicate with staff if there is an issue or disagreement in opinion.
Sometimes emotions become adversarial when student behavior deteriorates. We support being as transparent as possible but our approach to dealing with student behavior, our day-to-day school operations, and how we manage behaviors cannot be interfered with or influenced by outside factors. Due to the Privacy Act, the Youth Justice Act, and the expectations listed in each enrolment contract, that are signed when registering, we will not and cannot discuss other students, the appearance of fairness versus equal treatment, or mitigating circumstances that we are bound to keep confidential. Each parent wants us to protect their child’s privacy and we take this seriously.
We always focus on building relationships and to have parents and staff working together in the best interests of all of our students. We expect that any issue or disagreement between adults is dealt with in a collaborative, professional, and respectful manner. As adult role models, we model positive behaviors, self-regulation, and calm communication skills for students at all times.
Effective Communication Strategy for Parents
The following process outlines how to effectively communicate with school staff, especially regarding emotionally difficult issues:
Begin by speaking to the teacher directly involved in the situation.
Consider discussing the issue with your child’s homeroom teacher first, as they have a deeper understanding of your child's needs and behaviors.
If necessary, arrange a meeting or series of communications (via email or phone) to work towards a positive resolution.
Upon reaching an agreement on a plan of action, allow time for implementation, evaluation, and progress.
Maintain regular communication to ensure mutual understanding and progress on both sides.
If despite discussions and follow-up, there is no satisfactory resolution, escalate the issue by contacting the principal.
During the discussion with the principal, a meeting or fact-finding session will be arranged as needed.
Start the process by involving the teacher unless there are valid reasons not to do so, in which case prepare written concerns for the principal.
The principal will address the issue with the staff involved and propose appropriate follow-up steps tailored to the situation's severity, such as arranging meetings between teachers and parents or involving additional support staff or authorities.
InnovOak School upholds high expectations for all professionals and follows the standards of professional practice set by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) in governing interactions and reactions..
