If you haven't yet introduced yourself by name to your child's teacher or teachers, then what are you waiting for? It is important to have a good relationship with your child's teacher and the best way to build a relationship is to start by saying hello.
Jennifer Marshall is a Year 5 teacher at Oatlands Public School who believes that when there is good communication between parents and teachers, everyone benefits, especially the child.

"Having a friendly relationship can benefit the child at home and at school. Parents can help identify certain behaviours that are happening at school but not at home and vice versa. They can also help teachers identify children's strengths, weaknesses and personality traits, which can help tailor the teaching to suit their child's needs," Jennifer said.
Face to face communication is best, but when this is not possible, making appointments, writing notes, phone calls and emails are ways that parents and teachers can agree to communicate. This applies in both primary and high school.

Getting involved in the life of your child's school or classroom when they are is in primary school is a great way to strengthen the bond between your family and the school and your child will feel very proud to see you helping out. 
"Working with parents makes it a lot easier to get to know a child and their family background. We encourage parents to help out in the classroom with reading groups or volunteer on school excursions and fundraising days.  This way parents and teachers can support each other and learn the best ways to teach their child in and out of the classroom," said Jennifer.
You can ask the teacher how you could help in the classroom and offer any specific skills you or someone in the family have. All schools also want parents to volunteer for school organisations, such as parent committees and fundraising activities.

In high school the nature of the relationship between parents and teachers changes because your child does not have one main teacher, but this doesn't mean that these teachers have to be strangers. Stephen Cavanagh, head teacher Industrial Arts at Kingsgrove High School suggests the year advisor is a key link with the school for parents.

"As a parent of a secondary school student it is important that you make yourself aware of each of your child's teachers and the subjects they teach as early as possible. Your child's year advisor will generally be your first point of contact within the school and will also be responsible for easing their transition into high school."

He adds that parents should "make an effort to attend every parent-teacher evening and speak with each teacher. Treat all subjects with equal value. It is important to remember that secondary teachers can teach up to 180 students. Make contact with the relevant teacher if at any time you have questions or concerns relating to your child," Stephen said.
Like any relationship, the one with your child's teachers involves mutual respect and ongoing effort from both sides. Making that effort will really pay off.

• inform the teacher of your child’s likes, dislikes and strengths
• inform the teacher of any special help your child may need
• send notes attached to homework if your child found it difficult or enjoyed it
• comment on your child’s school work that is sent home
• ask the teacher how you can assist your child at home with their learning
• chat to the teacher at the end of the day
• contact the teacher if you think your child is having problems at school
• attend parent-teacher conferences and other school events
• inform the teacher about any changes in your home life which may impact on child’s learning. This information will be treated confidentially.
• let the teacher know when you can see that your child is doing well.