"What happens in the first weeks of school will not determine your child’s success in life. Your child will continue to build skills over the year and over their whole school experience.

Learning is ongoing, not a one-off

There will be some children starting school who can read, some who will know letters and sounds, and others who are just beginning in this area. Schools will be aware of this (and realistically, children do not need to be fluent readers at five or six).

Traditional thinking has been that all children should be able to do certain things before starting school, with a focus on “school readiness”. But this has been replaced with a new focus on schools being ready for all students, regardless of their diverse skills.

As parents, this is one key way we can support our children. Research shows family engagement with teachers helps children learn and build confidence.

This means talking to the teacher about your child’s strengths and interests, but also outlining areas where they may need help. In suggesting this, launching into this discussion at drop-off on the first day might not be ideal. Instead, email the front office to set up a time or schedule an early parent-teacher meeting to talk." wrote Kate Highfield, Senior Lecturer, Deputy Head of School (ACT and regional NSW), Australian Catholic University in The Conversation 30 January 2023.

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) has compiled credible research about the benefits of family engagement for learning. Family Engagement in Primary Schools and Family Engagement in Secondary Schools.

There are also checklists to assist schools to implement family engagement strategies. 

Catholic Schools Parents Australia Gearing Up for Parent Engagement website has videos and artcles to assist families and schools improve family engagement in their school.