The education of our children is no longer the role of just the school. Both parents and teachers recognize the vital role of the home.

In recent years, parents have sought ways to be more directly involved in their child's education. In response to this need the Burin Peninsula School Board and the Burin Peninsula Laubach Literacy Council have initiated the "Parents as Teaching Partners" workshops.

This program of workshops, spread over four days, addresses parents' concerns around communication with the school, reading, writing, math and other related subjects. The emphasis is on practical ideas parents can use at the kitchen table.

The workshop also provides an opportunity for parents to meet with resource people involved in their child's education - the principal, guidance counsellor, reading, writing and math teachers and school board personnel. Community resource people are also involved, showing the education support available through such programs as "SORT", Laubach Literacy and the educational use of the Southern Gazette. The workshops are lively and informal, with parents often taking a leading role.

Photo: Southern Gazette Workshop Participants: (LtoR) Genevive Flannigan, Marian Mayo, Ada Power, Rob Power, Marilyn Donahue (Facilitator), Carol Ann Farrell (Facilitator), Winnie Ducey, Roberta Cheeke, Marilyn Hannon (Missing from photo Bertah Walters)

The first series of workshops was held in Marystown in November, in partnership with Sacred Heart Elementary School and the Two Sites Community Centre. It proved to be a great experience for parents, educators and facilitators.

Thanks to the organizing committee, parent participants and guest presenters. The tangible support of our local supermarkets was greatly appreciated. Funding has been approved to offer the "Parents as Teaching Partners"* workshops at least two more times this school year. I look forward to the opportunity this will give to form more partnerships, and hope many more parents will be able to take part.

*These workshops are funded by the Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador.