Parent Voice at OLR

Parent Voice at OLR

At Our Lady of the Rosary, Wyoming, we value strong and positive partnerships between home and school. We know that families play an important role in helping build a welcoming, connected and faith-filled school community where every child can thrive.

Following parent consultation through surveys and Parent Voice forums, OLR has developed a contemporary Parent Voice structure that is inclusive, flexible and community-focused. This approach is designed to make it easier for parents and carers to be involved in ways that are practical, positive and sustainable for modern family life.

What is Parent Voice?

Parent Voice provides an opportunity for parents and carers to share feedback, contribute ideas and be part of respectful conversations that support our school community.

Parent Voice is designed to:

• strengthen connection and belonging across OLR
• encourage broad and inclusive parent participation
• support positive communication between families and the school
• provide meaningful opportunities for parent involvement
• keep students at the centre of decision-making
• build a strong sense of community and shared responsibility

Parent Voice is consultative in nature. It supports strong partnership and communication between families and the school, while recognising that the school remains strategically led by school leadership.

Parent Voice Sessions

Parent Voice Sessions will be held once each term. All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend either in person or online.

If agenda items are not completed during a session, they will roll over to the following term.

Parent Voice Sessions are intended to support respectful discussion, community connection and shared ideas. They are not designed to be complaint-resolution meetings or governance forums. Individual concerns should continue to be raised directly with the appropriate teacher, staff member or school leader.

Community Grade Partners

Each grade at OLR will have Community Grade Partners who help support connection, communication and community spirit within their grade cohort.

Community Grade Partners help by:

• welcoming new families
• encouraging participation in school events and Parent Voice Sessions
• sharing school reminders and community opportunities
• supporting positive parent connection within the grade
• assisting with grade-based community events
• supporting the Parent Engagement Coordinator

Community Grade Partners are community-building roles. They do not replace direct communication between families and the school, and they are not responsible for managing complaints or disputes. Their role is to help foster a positive, respectful and inclusive parent culture within each grade.

Parents who do not wish to present an agenda item personally may nominate a Community Grade Partner to respectfully speak on their behalf at a Parent Voice Session.

Grade-Based Community Events

To encourage broad participation and shared responsibility, grades may support or coordinate particular community events throughout the year.

This approach helps to:

• share ownership across the school community
• reduce volunteer burnout
• create manageable ways for families to be involved
• strengthen grade-level connection and collaboration

Parents and carers may volunteer in flexible ways that suit their availability, skills and interests. This may include supporting events, assisting with fundraising, helping with hospitality or organisation, contributing expertise, or supporting faith, cultural and wellbeing initiatives.

Flexible and Welcoming Involvement

OLR recognises that every family has different commitments and capacity. Parent involvement is always encouraged, but it is also voluntary and flexible.

Whether families can contribute regularly, occasionally, or simply by staying connected and informed, every contribution helps strengthen our OLR community.