Good News Story – Wunan’s Parent Room is meeting Educational Strategy Goals
30 September 2013
School attendance in Kununurra is described as poor; Many Aboriginal children, who make up 50% of student population, are attending school less than 60% of the time – well below State average.
Commencing in January 2013 the Wunan operated Parent Room at Kununurra District High School seeks to engage parents in their childs education as a means to increasing school attendance and education outcomes. Led by Educational Advocate Bev Russ, the Parent room builds the capacity of parents to better support their childs education through the facilitation of parent/teacher interviews, group activities and informal chats.
During its first 6 months, 10 families have consistently accessed the room to discuss their child’s educational needs. Sessions have resulted in a better understanding of the role of the school and teachers and an increase in parent confidence. Further work with the Pindan Stepping Stone Program is supporting parents with Kindy 2014 enrolments, while activities and engagement with DCP Parent Support similarly builds parental capacity for involvement in and decisions around their children’s education.
Wunan believes that the ‘hands on’ involvement of parents in the education of their children is critical to achieving positive long term outcomes. Not only by promoting regular attendance and active engagement with the education system but also by developing an appropriate and safe environment at home.