Expectations of the ORPS Community

Members of the Ocean Reef Primary School Community believe that we can work best together when we:

  • Demonstrate mutual respect of the role of teacher and parent in meeting the needs of each individual child
  • Strive to improve communication
  • Contribute toward building a sense of community
  • Interact courteously and appropriately
  • Be open to new learning and value positive contributions
  • Approach problems calmly with the aim of finding a positive outcome
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Demonstrate positive support for Ocean Reef Primary School

These are founded on the values of the 7Cs and expectations of being a STAR

Communication

Ocean Reef Primary School values communication between home and school to ensure the best possible educational outcomes for students. Our communication strategy includes:

  • A welcome induction to the school for new Kindergarten parents at the end of the previous year
  • A Teacher/Parent meeting at the commencement of the year
  • An open invitation to new parents to ring the school to make an appointment with the Associate Principal for a tour of the school
  • The school website provides information on school policy and procedures and current initiatives
  • Frequent school and cabin updates are provided to parents via ClassDojo
  • An open invitation to parents to organise a meeting any time of the year with a child’s class teacher, Associate Principal or Principal
  • Musters (Assemblies) take place from Term 2
  • An invitation to parents to participate in the Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) and the School Board

It is expected that staff will provide an initial response to parental communication within 2 school days, 7:30 to 5:30

Resolving Issues, Disputes, Concerns and Complaints

Ocean Reef Primary School aims to create a school culture that welcomes, encourages and initiates regular two-way school-home communication.  It is recognised that caring parents and teachers want ‘the best’ for children and therefore issues and concerns can arise. Clearly defined resolution processes facilitate parents and school personnel to focus on early resolutions to issues and concerns in order to foster and support children’s academic progress, their physical development and social and emotional wellbeing.

Ocean Reef Primary School aims to adopt a solution focused approach to resolving challenges. We will:

  • Ensure complaints lodged at Ocean Reef Primary School are resolved in a prompt and efficient manner
  • Promote and demonstrate the highest standard of professionalism in resolving issues and concerns
  • Ensure the resolution of complaints in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness

Click here to read the Department of Education’s Complaints Process

Resolution Procedures

Parents:

  • Identify the problem: Be clear and specific about what’s bothering you. Take notes to keep your thoughts organized.
  • Schedule a meeting: Talk to your child’s teacher first. Make an appointment and let them know the reason for the meeting.
  • Focus on solutions: Discuss your concerns and work together to find a solution. Gather any information that might be helpful. Be respectful and open to working with the teacher.
  • Bring support (optional): You can have a friend or advisor present during any discussions.
  • Allow time for resolution: Local issues will be addressed within 14 days.
  • Not satisfied? If you’re not happy with the outcome, schedule a meeting or submit a written complaint to the Associate Principal or Principal.
  • Still unresolved? If you’ve gone through all the steps above and are still unsatisfied, you can submit a written complaint to the Director of Education, Metro North Regional Education Office.

Class Teachers:

  • Confidentiality is key. Respect parent privacy and keep all discussions confidential.
  • Gather the facts. Clarify the details of the concern and collect any necessary information.
  • Aim for solutions. Work collaboratively with parents to find a resolution.
  • Communication is important. Inform a school administrator of the outcome of discussions, especially if appropriate.
  • Seek support when needed. If you’re unable to resolve the issue or the situation requires further action, refer the complaint to a school administrator.
  • Respectful communication. Both parents and teachers can have a friend or advisor present during any discussions.

Principal:

  • Maintaining fairness. Treat all matters with confidentiality and impartiality.
  • Resolving at the school level. Prioritize finding solutions within the school whenever possible.
  • Continuous improvement. Track records of concerns and their outcomes to identify areas for improvement and implement changes.
  • Clear communication. Ensure open communication of complaint procedures to parents and the community.
  • Adapting policies. Modify school policies and procedures to address recurring concerns.
  • Support for all. Inform both parents and teachers of their right to have a friend or advisor present during discussions.
  • Escalating concerns. If necessary, refer the complaint to the Director of Education, Metro North Regional Education Office.

Remember, by working collaboratively and openly, we can build a strong school community where all concerns are addressed effectively.