Partnerships with parents, carers and community will maximise the positive outcomes.
For Life Ready to be successfully delivered, the support of staff, community, parents and students is essential to ensure a shared understanding of the rationale, structure and content of the program.
Advising parents and carers of the rationale and structure of the school’s Life Ready program supports better informed contributions to, and support for, implementation of the program.
Consultation with parents and carers regarding the course content will support school planning with regard to options to be provided to students and families in the event that a student opts not to participate in a particular session or content area. Communication between the school and parents and carers in relation to potentially controversial or sensitive issues covered in the course is essential. Whilst active permission is not essential for this course, school leaders and teachers still have a responsibility to inform parents or carers prior to the delivery of Life Ready to enable them to raise any concerns.
A sample letter to parents and carers has been provided to communicate with your school community about your Life Ready program.
Whilst school staff may be best placed to ensure effective delivery of Life Ready, the principal may choose to draw on community resources and information to help support the school’s program. It is therefore essential that the principal approve Life Ready content.
Working in partnership with health and community services increases students’ awareness of the range of services available and where to find them. Community services can also be used to enhance staff knowledge and understanding of relevant contexts and consequently assist in building the capacity of teachers to deliver effective education programs.