A partnership is being credited for a dramatic turnaround at a Durham School.
Life at St. Peter’s and Paul’s School is much different today than it was a year ago.
This says Parent Council Chair Jennifer Bluhm is thanks to some open, honest and frank dialogue between parents and school administration.
Concern about low reading and writing scores and playground social problems prompted parents take action.
Bluhm says by sharing their concerns with staff, they were able to work together on strategies to turn the school around.
This happy partnership is quite a contrast between the problems voiced by some Bluewater District School Board parents.
Bluhm’s advise to parents, if you have a problem with the school than you must be willing to work with staff to find a solution together.
Principal Theresa Coburn agrees.
She says it takes a community to raise a child. She says staff don’t have all the answers and that’s why parental input is so important.
Since this new formed partnership, EQAO reading and writing results have jumped between 21 and 28 percents and school yard bullying is down.
There is also a stronger focus on respect and the school is working closer with the community and local church.