The most accurate predictors of student accomplishment in academics are not family income or social status, but the degree to which the family creates a home environment that encourages learning, communicates high yet reasonable expectations for the child’s achievement, and becomes involved in the child’s education at school.
When parents are involved at school, the performance of ALL the children at school, not just their own, tends to improve. The more comprehensive and well-planned the partnership between school and home, the higher the student achievement!
The relationship between the St. Stephen’s College PTA and the institution has been quite dynamic over the years. Scarcely is there any activity that takes place at the school without the PTA’s involvement. Engrained in the College’s DNA, the PTA has been instrumental in providing administrative assistance, helping educate the parent population and raising funds which, in return, offers financial assistance to fund special projects on the compound.
The commissioning of the Junior Library, construction of an additional classroom, washroom facility restoration, and coordination of an annual Career Fair are just a few of the accomplished projects the organization would have undertaken over the years. The team of parents are always ready and able to assist when called upon.
Led by Mr. Marlon Mohammed, a past student, who is serving his second term as President, the association, although affected by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, is still able to function under strict protocol observance, by aiding several activities.
In addition to the special projects, there are several annual events where the PTA’s presence to lend support is vital to the function’s success. The team is most active at these annual events – the 5K Road Race, Founder’s Day, Sports Day, the Alumni Family Day, Graduation Ball and Ceremony to name a few. Parent engagement is encouraged and monthly meetings which are now conducted virtually, provide a platform to educate the parents which is usually enhanced with guest speakers sharing on current events and general topics of interest ranging from faculty progress reports to having the Guidance Counsellor offer advice on embracing the change during the pandemic.
An executive was installed in January 2021, and it was tasked with overseeing the collaborative synergy between the College and other key stakeholders. This year’s theme, Transition and Refocus has been influenced by the ‘new normal’ which has encouraged the team to be more creative in the approach towards further development of the institution. The transition to a paperless means of communication and a refocus towards re-energizing students and parents with the concept design competition geared towards the students’ creative instincts and a raffle with attractive prizes to be won. The PTA is always open to partnering with any organization who will help build our school’s image.
