Sir Godfrey Gregg

Connecting Home and School

A child exists in two primary worlds: home and school. When there is a sturdy, well-maintained bridge of trust between these two worlds, the child can move between them with confidence and security. This bridge is built by parents and teachers together, through consistent, respectful, and proactive communication. It ensures the child receives a unified message of support, making their journey through education smoother and more successful.

Parents are the guardians of the home end of the bridge. Your role is to be an informed and supportive partner. Attend school events, read the newsletters, and know the names of your child’s teachers. When your child shares a school story, listen with an open mind. If a concern arises, your first point of contact should always be the teacher, approached with a collaborative spirit. Assume positive intent. Starting a conversation with, “My child mentioned something that happened in class, and I wanted to hear your perspective,” opens the door for problem-solving, not conflict.

Teachers, you are the stewards of the school end. Your role is to be transparent and accessible. Proactively communicate classroom expectations, curriculum goals, and both positive and concerning observations. A quick, positive email or message to a parent about their child’s kindness or improved effort can build a vast reserve of goodwill. When you need to discuss a challenge, do so with specific examples and a focus on solutions. Invite the parents’ insight—they are the experts on their child, and you are the expert on your classroom. Together, you form a complete picture.

This bridge of trust is fortified by mutual respect. Parents must trust the teacher’s professional judgment and classroom management, while teachers must respect the parents’ deep knowledge and unconditional love for their child. Avoid the “blame game” at all costs. The goal is never to determine who is at fault, but to determine what the child needs to succeed.

When this bridge is strong, the child is the ultimate beneficiary. They see that the important adults in their lives are a team. The consistency between home and school provides a framework of security that allows them to take risks, learn from mistakes, and focus on growth. They know that if they stumble on one side of the bridge, a caring hand will be waiting on the other. By building this bridge together, parents and teachers create a seamless, supportive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.