Communication Guidelines for Parents
At Bourke Street Public School, we value respectful, cooperative, and supportive relationships between staff, parents, caregivers, and students. These guidelines are designed to promote positive communication that supports every child’s learning and wellbeing.
Respectful Communication
All members of the school community—students, staff, and parents—must be treated with respect and courtesy.
Offensive language, aggressive behaviour, or conduct that may cause concern is not acceptable.
Parents are expected to support school policies, procedures, and values at all times.
Contacting the School
Email is the preferred method of contact: bourkest-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
High volumes of phone calls and in-person enquiries are difficult for staff to manage—please use email where possible.
Parents should not access classrooms or playgrounds during school hours without prior teacher approval.
All visitors must sign in at the school office when entering school grounds.
Appropriate Channels for Concerns
Please raise concerns through the correct procedures, starting with your child’s teacher where appropriate. The school office can assist if you are unsure.
| Issue | First Point of Contact | If Unresolved |
| Academic progress of your child | Contact your child’s teacher via email or office appointment request. Teachers will arrange a suitable time to call or meet. | Contact the office to request an appointment with the Assistant Principal supervising your child’s year group. |
| Welfare of your child | Contact your child’s teacher via email or office appointment request. | Contact the office to request an appointment with the Assistant Principal supervising your child’s year group. |
| Actions of other students | Contact the school office, marked attention to your child’s teacher. The teacher will investigate and liaise with leadership if needed. | Contact the office to request an appointment with the Assistant Principal supervising your child’s year group. |
| School policy or practice | Contact the school office. Your query will be directed to the appropriate staff member. | The staff member will contact you to provide details or arrange an appointment. |
| Change of details or student information | Email the school office directly with updates to address, phone number, emergency contacts, custody details, or student health. | - |
Scheduled Appointments
Please make appointments in advance for significant matters.
Teachers are not able to discuss issues:
On the way to class
During teaching time
While supervising students
If an issue requires extended discussion, the teacher may request a follow-up meeting at a suitable time.
Supervision and Management
Parents should allow staff to supervise, investigate, and manage student incidents.
Parents and visitors must not approach other students directly.
Behaviour on School Grounds
Follow all school entry and safety procedures.
Model positive behaviour when attending school events.
Support the school’s values and encourage students’ efforts and achievements.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Respect the privacy of students, staff, and families.
Do not discuss confidential school matters publicly or on social media.
Email Etiquette
Be mindful of the volume and frequency of emails to teachers.
High volumes can affect teachers’ time for lesson preparation and student assessment.
When emailing:
Be calm and respectful
Raise concerns early
Allow sufficient time for staff to follow up and respond
Complaints Handling Procedure
Our preference is to resolve complaints at the school level.
Complaints can be made in writing to the school, or via the Complaints, Compliments and Suggestions form.
The Principal, in consultation with the Department of Education, may impose limits on parent access to school grounds or events if guidelines are breached.
Working Together
We look forward to building strong, respectful, and positive relationships with parents and caregivers, ensuring that communication always supports students’ learning and wellbeing at Bourke Street Public School.