James Kon
Establishing a good relationship between parents and children is one of the many catalysts in helping students excel in school.
The beneficial approach was highlighted during the Children Education Discussion programme entitled ‘Parental involvement is a catalyst for school and student excellence’ organised by the National Parent and Teacher Association and Brunei-Muara District Cluster 1 Parent and Teacher Association at the Multipurpose Hall of Katok Secondary School yesterday.
Acting Director-General of Education Marina Chek binti Bujang was the guest of honour.
The panel included Chair of National Parent and Teacher Association Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Nawi, Chair of Parent and Teacher Association of Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College Haji Mohammad Soffian bin Haji Umar and Acting Village Head of STKRJ Kampong Katok Captain (Rtd) Pengiran Redzuan bin Pengiran Haji Said.
The forum was moderated by Awangku Eddyaroyanto bin Pengiran Ismail and Rosni binti Haji Abdul Rahman.
Haji Abdul Rahman called on parents to inquire about their children’s strengths and weaknesses from the teachers, what the school and teachers can do to help, and what parents can do at home. The roles of a parent, he said, “are to create learning opportunities at home, advise, guide, support and motivate their children, and always stay up-to-date with the current school affairs.”
He also highlighted the importance of communicating with children on topics such as schooling while supervising them in school work and exchanging views with their children.
Meanwhile, Haji Mohammad Soffian said, “Parents should make an effort to understand their children’s development, listen to their opinions and think before taking action.
“Having a good communication can help increase children’s self-confidence and development, and help parents to better understand their progress.”
Over 20 parents from 13 schools parent and teacher associations in the Brunei-Muara District Cluster 1 attended the forum.
