Separated Parents and Shared Parenting

At St Columba Anglican School, our first priority is the wellbeing of our students. We recognise that shared parenting arrangements can present unique challenges, and we aim to support all families while maintaining our focus on the best interests of each student.

We would like to clarify the School’s responsibilities and approach when it comes to shared parenting and court orders:

Priority of the Child's Welfare
Our central concern is the safety, welfare, and educational needs of your child. All decisions made by the School will be guided by what is in the best interest of the student.

Facilitating Parental Relationships
It is not the School’s role to facilitate communication or manage the relationship between parents. It is the responsibility of parents to communicate with each other regarding matters concerning their child’s education. The School is not a conduit for parental communication and will not take sides in personal disputes.

Consultation Between Parents
We encourage parents to consult each other about their child’s education, activities, and general wellbeing. The School will ensure that all relevant information, such as school reports, newsletters, and updates, are accessible to both parents, irrespective of parenting arrangements. Parents are also welcome to attend school events and functions that are open to all.

Responsibility for Providing Court Orders
If there are specific court or parenting orders in place, it is the responsibility of the parent to provide the School with the most current documentation. The School will follow the orders as outlined, but we are not in a position to enforce or police the arrangements stipulated in these orders.

The nature of a modern and dynamic school such as ours means that the School’s commitment to supporting your child’s education and wellbeing—as well as communication with families—cannot function in isolation. Staff, including the Principal, must manage a wide array of duties, responsibilities, enquiries, requests, and, at times, concerns and complaints concurrently. Each of these requires timely attention, all while ensuring that the School remains focused on its core purpose—education—and its primary obligation: the care, safety, and welfare of its students.

Therefore, it is essential for parents to acknowledge the demands already placed on staff, recognise the limits of any school’s capacity to address issues immediately, and consider the impact that additional demands and unreasonable expectations may have. Such demands, beyond being unproductive, can significantly affect staff wellbeing, a consideration of particular importance given the growing emphasis on managing psychosocial risks in the workplace.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these matters, as we continue to work together to support your child’s education and wellbeing. If you have any questions or need to provide updated documents, please contact the School.