One of the hallmarks of Catholic education is the high value placed on developing and nurturing authentic and effective partnerships between schools and families. Parent-teacher interviews are one vitally important part of this focus on collaboration, and all of our schools carefully ensure that parent teacher interviews are well-planned and organised to meet the needs of their school community.

This guide covers what to expect, key questions to ask, and tips for a productive meeting to support your child’s education.

What to Expect in Parent-Teacher Interviews

Overview of the Process

Parent-teacher interviews in our Catholic schools typically follow a straightforward format. Usually, the school leadership team sets the dates for parent-teacher interviews before the commencement of the school year. This ensures that interviews align with reporting cycles so that the fullest and latest picture of your child’s progress is available.

Schools will send out more detailed information closer to the time, including the rooms being used, start and finish times, and processes for booking with your child’s teacher. Remember, if your child is new to secondary school, they will usually have different teachers for different subjects, so you may need to book several interviews to ensure you meet with the relevant teachers.

In most circumstances, expect a 10-15 minute meeting where the teacher will discuss your child’s progress, behaviour, and social development. Teachers often come prepared with specific points to cover, and it’s equally helpful if parents do the same.

Purpose of the Interview

The primary goals of a parent teacher interview include:

1. Feedback on academic performance: Teachers will provide insights into your child’s strengths and areas for development.  They may reference specific assignments, exams or projects to enhance their feedback.
2. Discussing behaviour and social interactions: Discussions about your child’s class behaviour and interactions with peers are crucial. Teachers can often offer observations that may not be visible at home, and you can provide information that may not be apparent to the teacher at school. 
3. Identifying areas for improvement: This includes academic support and/or behavioural strategies. Teachers and parents can work together to address any concerns and set goals for improvement.

In addition to these three important goals, parent teacher interviews are one of the best opportunities to establish a collaborative relationship with your child’s teachers, fostering better communication and support for your child where needed.

Preparation Tips

Preparation is key to making the most out of parent-teacher interviews.

• Review your child’s recent reports: Try to gain a baseline understanding of their academic standing. Look at results, teacher comments, and any noticeable trends or patterns.
• Prepare a short list of questions: Consider what information you want to know; you may have specific concerns or areas you’d like to discuss. Try to aim for 2 or 3 questions only, keeping the total length of the interview in mind.
• Talk to your child: Understand their perspective. Ask them about their school experience, subjects they enjoy or find challenging, and any issues they’d like you to bring up.

Key Questions to Ask During the Interview

Here are some targeted questions to get the most valuable information from the interview:

Academic Performance

• How is my child doing in class? This question helps you understand their overall performance and any learning areas they may be struggling with.
• What are my child’s strengths and challenges in class? Knowing this can help you support your child at home if they run into challenges with homework or assignments.
• How does my child’s performance compare to previous semesters or years? This can reveal trends and whether they are improving, staying consistent, or needing additional help.

Behaviour and Social Skills

• How does my child interact with other students in class? Social skills are just as important as academic skills.
• Does my child contribute to class discussions and appear happy in class? Engagement in class can reflect their comfort level and interest in the subject.

Support and Improvement

• What can I do at home to support my child’s learning? Teachers can provide specific strategies and resources to help your child succeed.
• Does my child need any special support services? Identifying the need for extra support early can make a significant difference.

Tips for a Productive Meeting

Be On Time

Punctuality is crucial. Arriving on time ensures you get the most out of the allotted meeting time. For some families, especially with secondary students, meetings are usually back-to-back, arriving late may require you to re-book at another time, as running overtime affects other parents and is something schools typically try to avoid.

Listen Actively

Pay close attention to the teacher’s feedback and feel welcome to take notes for later reference. Active listening helps you understand the teacher’s perspective and provides a clear picture of your child’s progress at school. It shows you value the teacher’s insights and are committed to supporting your child’s education.

Stay Positive

Maintain a positive and open attitude throughout the meeting and focus on collaborative solutions for any issues that arise. Remember, the goal is to support your child’s education and find ways to enhance their learning experience. Approach the meeting with a mindset of working together rather than confronting the teacher.

Follow Up

If more time is needed, don’t hesitate to request a follow-up meeting. Regular communication through follow-up calls or emails can help address ongoing concerns and keep you informed about your child’s progress.

Common Concerns and How to Address Them

Handling Sensitive Topics

Approach difficult subjects like poor academic performance or behavioural issues calmly and non-defensively. Use the interview as a platform to understand the root of the issue and work with the teacher to find solutions. It’s important to remain open to feedback and avoid becoming defensive. 

Involving the Child

Check to see if your child’s school encourages student attendance at the interviews. For older students, student-led conferences can be beneficial, allowing them to take ownership of their learning and articulate their goals and challenges. It teaches them responsibility and encourages self-reflection.

Next Steps

If necessary, work with the teacher to set a small number of clear goals for your child’s continued development. This may involve specific assignments, behavioural strategies, or additional support services. Ensure these goals are realistic and achievable, and schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress.

Building a Partnership with Teachers

Communication Channels

Ongoing communication is vital. Use emails or request additional meetings to stay in touch with the teacher and address any concerns that arise. Try to be mindful about moderating the volume of email communication with your child’s teacher, particularly if your child is in secondary school. Many secondary school teachers regularly teach over 150 students weekly and sometimes need a little extra time to respond to any email enquiries.

Sharing Information

It’s always a good idea to share relevant information about your child’s home life, health, and other factors that might affect their learning. Informing the teacher of any changes in behaviour or learning difficulties observed at home can help tailor support to your child’s needs. In secondary school — where your child will have many teachers — it is often a good idea to email your child’s Pastoral Leader, who will ensure that relevant information is shared with the right staff members.

Supporting Learning at Home

Parents play a crucial role in supporting independent learning at home. Helping your child to implement practical tips and strategies, such as establishing a regular study routine, can significantly enhance their educational outcomes.

In conclusion

Parent-teacher interviews are an essential part of your child’s educational journey. By coming prepared, asking good questions, and fostering a collaborative relationship with teachers, you can ensure that your child receives the support they need to succeed.