Every day, families and caregivers, volunteers, teachers and support staff work together to provide the best education possible for all students.

To work together effectively, the relationship between home and school must be strong. This relationship can be strengthened through open, receptive and honest two-way communication.

From time to time, there may be a misunderstanding, a lack of communication, or a serious situation that needs attention. When this happens, everyone must work together to resolve the matter. Families and caregivers have the right to express concerns, a teacher has the right to respond and the Board has an obligation to support students, families and caregivers and staff.

Steps in Communicating With Southwood When a Concern or Complaint Arises

Step 1:  Talk with Your Child’s Teacher

Families and caregivers should discuss a concern or issue with the classroom teacher at a mutually convenient time.

Step 2:  Talk with Southwood’s Vice Principal

If families and caregivers and the teacher are not able to resolve the issue, it should be discussed with the school vice principal. The vice principal will gather facts from everyone involved to clarify the problem and work to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. The vice principal will also keep the school principal informed of the issue and status of the investigation.  Basic to every investigation is the Board’s expectation that employees and students will follow school and Board policies and procedures.

Step 3:  Talk with Your School Superintendent of Student Achievement & Well-Being

If families and caregivers and the school principal are not able to resolve the issue, families and caregivers may discuss the issue with the school superintendent. The school superintendent will review the matter as it relates to established policies and procedures and will respond to the families and caregivers about their concern.

Step 4:  Talk with the Associate Director of Education

If families and caregivers and the school superintendent are not able to resolve the issue, the families and caregivers may discuss the issue with the Associate Director of Education. The Associate Director of Education will review the matter and respond to the family member and caregiver about the concerns. The Associate Director of Education may choose to consult with the Director of Education at this time.

Further Information

For further information about the process for addressing concerns at the WRDSB, please click here.