ECB DG-HR was pleased to host an information session by the ESF on the secondary cycle on 19 May 2016. The interest amongst parents on the topic “Mind Matters – how you as a parent can support your child in secondary school” was very big and more than 130 participants listened to the presentation by Ms Chatzivassiliadou, Deputy Director of the secondary cycle at the ESF, and ESF teachers.

 

The school emphasised the need for cooperation between teachers and parents for the benefit of the children and explained the ESF’s teaching values and some of the behavioural patterns, both positive and negative, that pupils demonstrate at the school. Furthermore, information on the available support mechanisms was provided and recommendations for relevant books on the topic were given. For more details please refer to the presentation.

The Parents Association had also collected a number of questions, which were briefly discussed towards the end of the session. However, it became apparent that one meeting was not enough time to provide information on all aspects and facets of the subject matter. The concerns raised were further discussed over a drink and some finger food offered to the participants after the end of the official programme. To further deepen the understanding and accommodate the need for valid exchange of information, many participants provided a lot of constructive feedback and expressed the desire for further follow-up activities after this kick-off event.

In the meantime the ESF and the Parents Association agreed to meet on 9 June 2016 to discuss future action in this respect. The ECB’s HR Social Integration team (Ursula Pauer and Sharon Murray) will also participate in this meeting to continue the ECB’s support of the initiative in future.

Author:RCO Staff Integration