We’ve enjoyed a wonderful start to the school year and the learning is taking shape in surprising and exciting ways. I hope your children are feeling a sense of wonder about their UTS experience and the many opportunities available to them at our school.

The parent-teacher interviews tonight, tomorrow and Monday give you the chance to touch base briefly with your child’s teachers and gain insights into your child's learning and progress in the first two months of the school year. Having open lines of communication between home and school is so important. We suggest viewing the interviews as an opportunity to begin building a relationship between families and teachers.

Information flows both ways – the perspectives you and the teacher share can help teachers better understand and support each student. When we understand each other well, we work better together. In turn, the feedback teachers share can help light the way forward for your children.

Because there have been limited formal assessments at this time of year, teachers will likely be able to identify emerging strengths, questions or areas for growth, but they will not be able to comment on or predict overall grades for the year.

Teachers are your partners in helping your child grow into a curious, resilient and ethical adult. The educational experience aims to help your child develop essential skills that last a lifetime – the ability to ask good questions, collaboratively build meaning and understand the importance of the learning process over the final product.

While it can be tempting to focus on what students are learning, your child’s teachers can provide crucial insights into how your child learns. As a parent, gaining insights into how your child engages with the learning process can help you to support and empower them on their educational journey.

Parent-teacher interviews are ultimately a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. I hope you enjoy the opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers, and find the insights you gain beneficial to help your child make the most out of this school year, and their time at our school.