Parent Voice

Parental Feedback

We have had some fantastic feedback from Parents and Carers during the lockdown period, some of which is outlined below:

Mrs Witham:

‘The teaching staff have been amazing trying to implement things for him…The mentor system is fantastic for him. We have regular contact and feedback from the school. Your staff have the patience of saints.. With regard to the online lessons and workload in this strange time, I think Harris have been once again amazing. Consistent workload, consistent contact and regular feedback! Excellent. Huge thanks.’

Miss Fiander: 

‘During lockdown I have been really impressed with the live lessons even though it is very difficult to get my daughter motivated to learn at home, Harris has done a brilliant job and cannot be faulted. Thank you’

Ms Francis:

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank HAO for the outstanding way that they have handled the corona crisis. The phonecalls home are very welcome and nice to feel still connected to the school. The work set is realistic and consistent and well managed. Every time the government changed the rules the school has adapted accordingly with great correspondence to the parents..  I have no doubt that when all pupils return to school, Harris will do all they can to make sure the pupils catch up missed work. Please can my thanks be shared to staff and the SLT.  Many thanks’

Mrs Jenkins:

‘I would like to thank all the members of staff who helped my daughter. Ms Malik has been great during lockdown with her weekly calls home. It is obvious that my daughter and her have a good relationship as she does with other adults within the school, PE staff in particular. My son will be joining you in September and I hope he will enjoy school as much as his sister. Thank you.’

Mrs Campbell:

‘I recently emailed to express my gratitude for the covid response and the school staff in general. Problems are always resolved quickly and there is a real sense of care within the school community.’

We welcome feedback from Parents and Carers, feel free to email us at info@harrisorpington.org.uk.

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The new Harris Academy Orpington Parent Voice will meet each half term and is open to any parent who would like to contribute positively to the life of the academy.

Parental involvement is crucial to the academy’s continuous improvements. Although not a decision-making body, Parent Voice will influence decisions on a wide range of issues through an open dialogue with staff.

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Next meeting dates

All meetings are held at Harris Academy Orpington from 5pm-6pm.

• 30th January 2020
• 19th March 2020
• 14th May 2020
• 2nd July 2020
• Dates for 2020-21 meetings will be released in the Autumn Term

The meetings will give feedback to the academy and contribute to policy-making on issues which affect parents. Having Parent Voice will help to create a culture within which parents, and the whole community, can feel part of the decision-making process and share their commitment to the school’s future.

If you would like to join Parent Voice, or would like more information, please email Mrs Rumble via info@harrisorpington.org.uk.

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Key areas discussed to date, and actions taken

Quality of communication from the Academy to parents

Introduction of half-termly Head of Academy newsletters

Introduction of My Child At School (MCAS)

Quality and consistency of homework

Introduction of Show My Homework as the online platform for homework at HAO

What pastoral provision exists at HAO?

Presentation from Ms Donnelly (Vice Principal) on the wide range of pastoral support offered at HAO