Home School Community Liaison
The HSCL scheme is to act as a link between home and school to maximize the active participation of children in school and promotes partnership between the school, the parents and the local community, in the educational interests of the children. The HSCL scheme recognises parents as the primary educators of their children. The aim of the HSCL is to raise parents’ awareness of their own capacities and develop their skills through a variety of courses, activities and trips throughout the year.
The HSCL teacher works with parents/guardians in a number of ways:
- Visiting parents/guardians in their homes
- Organising courses, talks or meetings for parents/guardians in the school or local community e.g. classes for parents such as health and fitness or cookery as well as a wide range of other activities
- Actively involving parents/guardians in their children’s education
- Promoting closer partnership between teachers and parents
- Informing parents/guardians about support services available in the local community.
- Working with relevant community agencies that play a role in the life of the child
- HSCL: Sarah Kiernan
- HSCL Mobile Number: 083 1381418
- HSCL Email Address: hscl@stmarksjs.ie
Building relationships
Relationships are at the very heart of all HSCL work. It is the aim of the HSCL coordinator to build strong, positive and encouraging partnerships between parents, the school and the wider community.
Home Visits
A HSCL coordinator visits parents/guardians in their own home is a core part of the HSCL scheme. It acts as a bridge and builds bonds of trust between home and school. It is important to remember a HSCL coordinator’s role is always to support a parent and the purpose of home visits are always to improve a child’s education experience.
Supporting Transitions
The HSCL coordinator aims to ensure a smooth transition between early years education and primary school by making contact with local early year providers and the principal and HSCL meet with the new pupils and parents before school starts. . St Marks JNS School is delighted to be engaging in the My Child My Vision transitions programme.
Working with marginalised parents
The HSCL scheme is funded through the DEIS initiative. Their main aim is to improve educational outcomes for the students most at risk of poor attendance, participation and retention.
Courses/Classes for Parents
The HSCL Coordinator will offer courses and classes to parents throughout the school year, such as, internet safety, literacy, numeracy, crafts, cooking, health and fitness etc. Details of the courses will be posted on Aladdin.