A strong, connected community is fundamental to the success and well-being of students at Cambridge School of Bucharest (CSB). Parents and teachers are key players in fostering this environment, working together to create a space where students feel supported, valued, and empowered. This partnership—often referred to as parent-teacher collaboration—is essential in building a safe and inclusive school community, supporting strong relationships, and promoting a positive school culture.
Why Parent-Teacher Collaboration Matters
When parents, teachers and Heads of Years communicate openly and share responsibility, they gain unique insights into a child’s behaviour and needs. This leads to a better understanding of effective strategies for addressing challenges. For instance, if a student is struggling both at home and in class, heads of years, teachers and parents can collaborate to monitor the child’s behaviour and emotional responses. The Heads of Year can provide feedback on school conduct while the parents can share observations from home. Through this coordinated effort, they can identify underlying issues and developed consistent support strategies. Studies show that parent-teacher collaboration can result in improved academic performance, stronger emotional regulation, and better peer interactions for the student.
Parent-teacher collaboration does more than address academic challenges—it also benefits a student’s social-emotional well-being and sense of belonging. At CSB, students supported through these collaborative efforts feel more secure and understood, which enhances their overall school experience.
Building a Culture of Respect and Inclusion
Creating a culture of respect and inclusion is essential for a thriving school community. Here are some actionable tips for parents and teachers to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment:
- Engage in Conversations: Ask your child about their friendships and how they perceive social dynamics. Being informed helps you guide them in building positive relationships.
- Encourage Participation in Diversity-Focused Events: Motivate your child to attend school events and extra-curricular activities such as sports teams, and debate, which promote understanding and appreciation of different backgrounds.
- Model Respectful Behaviour: Children learn by observing adults. Demonstrating respect and kindness in everyday situations teaches students how to treat others, even when faced with conflict.
- Create Safe Spaces: Establish safe spaces at home and in classrooms where students can express themselves without fear of judgment. These environments allow for open dialogue and help build a sense of belonging.
At CSB, initiatives like the PSCHEE (Personal, Social, Citizenship, Health, and Economic Education) programme teach empathy and conflict resolution through interactive activities such as role-playing and group discussions. Furthermore, CSB celebrates various cultural holidays—including Lunar New Year, Romanian National Holidays, British National Holidays, and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). These school-wide events promote understanding and respect for the growing diversity of the student body, fostering a community that values multiculturalism.
A Collaborative Environment
CSB offers several opportunities for parents to engage actively with the school community:
- Monthly Parenting Workshops: Led by the School Counsellor, these sessions cover topics like understanding the adolescent mind and effective parenting styles. By attending, parents learn practical strategies and share their experiences with one another.
- Parent Evenings: These events provide a structured time for parents to discuss their child’s progress across subjects and personal development stages. They allow for in-depth conversations with teachers and Heads of Year, ensuring everyone is aligned in supporting the student.
- Open Communication Channels: Parents can reach out to Heads of Year to discuss their child’s well-being or academic challenges. This consistent dialogue helps maintain a strong support system for students.
These collaborative efforts have resulted in a noticeable positive impact at CSB. Not only do students excel academically, but they are also active participants in community engagement initiatives. For example, Sixth Form students regularly volunteer at local charities, such as Casa Ioana, a women’s and children’s shelter. Every December, students serve meals and distribute clothing at Casa Ioana’s Soup Kitchen, embodying the values of compassion and social responsibility.
Encouraging Parent Participation
We encourage parents to take an active role in the workshops and events offered by CSB. By being present, sharing feedback, and engaging in school activities, parents contribute significantly to creating a unified support system that benefits students both academically and emotionally.
CSB is committed to fostering a culture where parent-teacher collaboration is not just encouraged but is a fundamental part of student success. To learn more about Cambridge School of Bucharest’s mission and values, please visit the CSB website.