JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation ‘Conversations’ Spur Greater Parental Involvement at Castleton Primary
Parental involvement is touted, by experts, as one of the key prongs for success in the learning process and above average academic performance. Castleton Primary School, a rural area school nestled in the hills of St. Mary, with a student population of 129, has embraced a new way of thinking and approach to garnering parental involvement.
As evidence of this, the school last month (April), launched a new vision statement and led a symbolic march through the community to share this new vision with parents and community members alike.
The school credits this newfound energy and approach to the impact of JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation’s Conversations for Greatness (CFG) programme.
Patricia White, principal of Castleton Primary, admits that even though the school has a small population, educators are challenged by the low level of parental involvement; illustrated by low attendance of parents at school-related events, parent teacher meetings and lack of involvement to ensure completion of homework. White reveals that this longstanding challenge is not unique to Castleton, having had a similar experience at a previous school where she was principal; however, she is determined to change this status quo. Since being introduced to the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation-led Conversations for Greatness (CFG), in July 2018, the school received what could be deemed as a ‘flicker of hope’.
The CFG programme began with the 23 members of staff engaging in a three-part series transformational conversation led by trained facilitator, Christine Staple-Ebanks. Following the workshop, facilitators are assigned to the school to act as a direct accountability partners and provide one-on-one coaching to the principal, during the nine-month-long sustainability period.
Making Strides
The school is now boasting several improvements in its infrastructure and interpersonal dynamics, and is thereby in a better position to provide a more cohesive learning environment.
The milestones thus far are significant for the school, as they are in line with the new mission of the school to be: ‘... a friendly, safe, secured, healthy and modern environment committed to prepare holistic students who will think critically and perform at their highest level especially in literacy and numeracy…’
In giving further insight to the new approach, White shared, “After completing Conversations for Greatness the staff decided that if for (any) reason parents are not or cannot come to school, they will go to the parents. Our mandate is to engage and energize the parents and community members of Castleton and to instill pride and support for the benefit of the children.” It is against this transformed mindset of being accountable for the success or failure for their actions that the staff planned and executed the march as a symbolic stance. The event demonstrates the new approach by the school - rooted in possibility, oneness and love.
White outlined that the programme has also positively impacted her- on both a personal and professional level; enhancing her communication skills thereby improving her interactions with staff members and other community groups, which she is a part of. “Since CFG, I am more open in my communication, which has led me to have a greater understanding of others.” Additionally, “I am more inclusive in my approach and this has improved my interactions with persons in community groups that I am a part of,” shared the school administrator.
Kishelle Williamson, a teacher at the school, also credits the programme, in a large part, for her newfound “inner peace,” admitting that she was weak in the area of conflict resolution and took a confrontational approach in dealing with issues she faced daily. By utilizing the principles taught in CFG she shared that she has seen a monumental shift in her interpersonal dynamics that has allowed her to have a better rapport with others.
Overall, the morale, cohesiveness and trust level among the school staff have seen improvement, as seen in the united front in tackling the school’s challenges and engaging in team building activities. This bears a stark contrast to the school, before the CFG programme, where there was a divide between the administrative and academic staff.
New Thrust to Drive Greater Parental Involvement
Going forward, the school is formulating plans to better engage parents, on a more frequent basis, to encourage greater interest in their children’s well-being. Thus far, the teachers and principal have begun doing home visits and sharing the new vision with parents, inviting them to buy-in. Plans are also afoot to have community walk-throughs and information session to share practical pointers on assisting with homework and other parenting tips. The principal and her team are expectant that, with this ongoing initiative, there will be improved academic performance and greater collaboration between the home and the school, for the benefit of the students.
Castleton Primary has also begun to reap the success of its efforts, as demonstrated by its achievement in the Interschool Divisional netball and athletics competition; and copping two gold medals in Jamaica Cultural and Development Competition (JCDC) Festival Competition. The stellar performance in JCDC can be attributed to the teamwork, with parents and teachers working alongside each other, to raise funds and practice with the students after school.
Catherine Davis-Smith, CFG project manager notes, “We are encouraged by the positive results that we have seen at Castleton Primary, especially in such a short space of time. The team is excited to continue to roll-out this programme across other schools, in a bid to effect mindset, attitudinal and behavioural changes, through a transformational approach.” Adding that, although CFG has impacted the varying schools in which it has been implemented in differing ways, it is heartening to see the transformation that is taking place across the education system. “We are anxious to replicate similar successes across other schools islandwide,” stated Davis-Smith.
Thus far the CFG programme has been implemented in over eighty (80) schools in several parishes, including: Kingston and St. Andrew; Clarendon; St. Elizabeth; St. Catherine; and St. Ann. The project is being implemented on a phased basis and will be rolled out in approximately 150 primary and secondary schools across the island.