School communities are strengthened when people come together. The sign of an inclusive school community is one where parents, students, teachers and staff spend time together, build relationships and work together to create a culture based on acceptance and belonging. Students in schools with a strong sense of community are more likely to be academically motivated (Solomon, Battistich, Watson, Schaps, & Lewis, 2000); to act ethically and altruistically (Schaps, Battistich, & Solomon, 1997); and to have improved self-esteem, mental health and social connections (Olsen and Fuller 2008). Simply by being present in the school, parents send the message to students that education is important.
Schools with a strong sense of community actively cultivate respectful, supportive relationships among students, parents, staff, alumni and friends. At Girls Grammar, respectful relationships are at the heart of community and we value the many groups who contribute to our great school. Our students are valued for their diversity, their experiences and their individual gifts and talents. Our parents are integral partners with us in their daughters’ education and therefore play a vital role in engagement in learning as well as involvement in school events. Our Old Girls and Alumni actively support, strengthen and celebrate current Girls Grammar girls. They have custodianship of the history of the school, and we are grateful for their contributions, involvement and ongoing interest in the school. Our staff are highly motivated, passionate, dedicated and giving, wanting the best for every student, something that shows in their everyday interactions.
Our community is strengthened because of our shared value and genuine commitment to the attainment of quality outcomes for our girls. We all want the best for every girl who walks through our gates. We are further strengthened through other shared values such as fairness, concern for others, personal responsibility and growth, integrity, dignity of the individual and leadership. Our students, staff and parents share an understanding of these values and it is these values that see us develop a culture based on commitment to the wellbeing of all members of our community.
Every week our calendar reflects an array of events that shows Girls Grammar values our community and values opportunity for inclusion, welcome a