I like to think of Dąbrowskiego, our Early Years Centre as a community of people. There are indeed benefits of building a sense of community in a school. Students in schools with a strong sense of community are more likely to be academically motivated. Supportive relationships are the heart of community. They enable students to bring their personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the classroom. Students learn the skills of collaboration, develop wider and richer relationships, and experience the many satisfactions of contributing to the welfare of others.
Building a school community, the question foremost in our minds should always be 'What is in the best interest of our children?' When everyone trusts that it is our children who are the most important, then it is easy to trust people who are growing and caring and have this vision.
Part of the community approach is working together, discussing ideas or concerns and jointly planning how things continue to improve. This sharing does not happen without the open contribution and support from parents and I am therefore extremely grateful to everyone who attended our drop in morning this past week. It was heart-warming to visit all the classes and see parents engaged with their children in learning and teaching. In most cases it appeared that the parents were doing more of the learning. I walked away feeling extremely proud of the wonderful community we have built at Dąbrowskiego. We have to preserve this community we have worked so hard to build and I therefore encourage you to share your feedback with me about your experience at the drop in mornings.
Thank you for taking the time to be with us and for contributing to our school community.