Editorial
Parents Still Behaving Badly
You might have read Peter Mickelburough's recent report of a school community taking legal action against angry, bullying, abusive and threatening parents. (Herald Sun, 21 June 2011, pp7)
In a welcome change of approach since we first raised this issue, (see Parents Behaving Badly) these rogue individuals are no longer simply being excused as “assertive parents”. Abusive, aggressive parents need to be made aware of the responsibilities that go with the rights they enjoy. And of the rights of others.
There are clear lines of communication if a parent has a genuine grievance: right up to the Secretary of the Department, so there is no excuse for this sort of behaviour. (see Communicating with your School ).
Our schools are legally obliged to provide a safe workplace for their staff and safe environment for students and visitors to the school. Obligation or not, I know of no school where this is not of the highest priority.
Any parent who behaves in a manner which jeopardises this has no place in our schools and needs to be dealt with promptly and effectively by whatever means the school deems appropriate in the circumstances.
Of course schools should not be left to sort it out on their own. The Department needs to treat all cases where safety is put at risk by individuals who are so clearly out of step with community expectations, with the seriousness they deserve and provide more (and timely) support to the schools in question. As a community we should be expecting nothing less. ASCIV is working closely with DEECD to see that this and similar issues are resolved in a more timely manner.
ASCIV welcomes the Government's stated intention to toughen penalties for violent and anti-social behaviour on school grounds. We would welcome action sooner than later.
Parents who are drug or alcohol dependent, parents with a mental illness that presents in violent and anti-social behaviour, and just plain bad individuals probably deserve our sympathy, empathy or support. However it is not the school’s role to address these underlying issues.
Let the Health, Welfare or Justice systems deal with these people – and for goodness sake, please schools get on with the business of Education in a safe teaching and learning environment.
It's your call
Unfortunately, from time to time, not everyone who professes a commitment to improved educational outcomes actually fully understands or respects your Council/Board’s role in that process and your responsibilities as a Council/Board member in matters of governance at your school or college.
There are often times when not everyone who should be supporting you, will be as open and honest as you might wish in declaring a conflict of interest or allegiance. Not everyone who professes to be on your side will actually be sharing your agenda.
- When you raise issues of concern and they are either dismissed without satisfactory explanations, or responded to in a cavalier manner, what do you do?
- If you’re being asked to endorse something you’re uncomfortable with, who do you go to?
- If there is something you don't understand and answers are not forthcoming or clear, who can you go for advice?
- When you ask questions and get fobbed off with excuses, where do you turn for answers?
- Are you getting mixed messages? Do you feel pressured, hassled or uncomfortable? Do you feel you are being intimidated? Who can help?
ASCIV We are just a phone call or email away.
All ASCIV members are entitled and encouraged to contact us for prompt independent advice and support. Whether you’re the President or the Executive Officer, a DEECD, Parent or co-opted Community member of your Council/Board, you are a part of ASCIV.
We are here for you at any time. Confidentially. Professionally. Quietly. Efficiently. Thoroughly. ASCIV is focussed on resolving the issues that concern you, not in apportioning blame or in grandstanding.
Not a member? Call us anyway and we’ll try our best to assist you.
Bill Gordon
President