What do you really want your child to achieve at school this year?

More important than lunches, uniforms or school bags, this is the question every parent should ask about their child’s schooling this year.

What do you want your child to achieve at school this year?

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In addition to preparing lunches, uniforms and school bags this week, I ask that you consider doing something just as important – I ask you to think about your aspirations for your child this year, in terms of his or her schooling.

Write these in the form of a letter to your child’s teacher. It doesn’t matter if you don’t send the letter – revisit it throughout the year to see whether those aspirations and expectations are being forgotten or fulfilled.

Write your thoughts in a letter to the child’s teacher.

My open letter might go something like this: Today, I deliver to you my son, who is ready for learning. As his teacher, I hope you will contribute not only to his education but to his life in a meaningful way. I trust that you will create the right conditions to nurture his creativity and talents in ways that build his confidence and resilience. Most of all I want him to feel safe and supported within the classroom so that he may one day look back on this time with satisfaction, not regret.

Please give my child a little extra attention and care when you can see that he is struggling or unhappy. Please never give up on him. Speak to him in ways that encourage him, and set tasks and challenges that don’t cripple him as a learner.

Write down your aspirations for your child’s education.

Please help him to celebrate his successes. I hope he is also able to see you as a learner as much as you are a teacher, and that making mistakes is normal and an important part of learning.

Given that we live in an age of great change, it seems reasonable to expect that all schools will respond creatively to this new environment. I know technology is creating opportunities for learning. Still, don’t get me wrong, the best app for my child’s learning will always be you!

Like most parents, we want to play a part in our child’s learning journey. We hope that you will see us as partners, and will feel comfortable communicating with us openly. We will need your feedback, so we know how to best help our son. In return, please know that you will have our support.

Thank you in advance for all that you will do for our son this year.