Why Conference?

ITS SIGNIFICANCE

A student insisted to get her report card herself since her mom couldn't come for a very ‘valid’ reason as she pointed out. However, her adviser never granted her request no matter how ‘good’ she is in the class (she said) and no matter how she made it to the honor’s list (if she did). Hence, he needs the parents’ presence.

This is the number one rule for PTC or Parent- Teacher Conference.

“Busa gani Parent- Teacher Conference kay parent ang involve, dili ang anak or student,” my co-teacher once said.

It should be a gratitude of the parents that we, the teachers and principal, give ample time to discuss their children’s progress with them. Considering that it is supposed to be our rest day, parents must also take responsibility to do their parts in the conference. One might say that he can come and follow-up his child anytime or whenever he is available. Or, one may never respond to us at all. Notwithstanding, PTC is only a ten to thirty- minute discussion (depending on the issue) in just one day of a quarter.

Conference is the only time when all advisers, subject teachers and staff stay and wait together in one room to discuss a child’s improvement with his parents. It is the only time in a quarter when teachers prepare and are ready to show all the documents of the students’ performances. It is the time when parents should ask about any issue of their child in the class, be it about any subject or any teacher. It is the time when parents could ask the teachers for any suggestion on how to improve or maintain their child’s grades. In the same manner, it is a time for teachers to ask suggestions from parents on how to handle their child or how they can best be taught since the parents know them more than we do. It is the time when all parents can be updated of the school’s expenses and can ask about any vague contribution detail regardless of the letters sent to them. It is the most important day in a quarter for it is when we can all talk about how can we help improve one another.

Conference is not only for those whose children failed nor for those who have made it to the rank. Conference is, indeed, for all the parents who should take responsibility in knowing their child’s achievement.

WHEN TAKEN FOR GRANTED

With the 33.3% attendance of parents I had yesterday, I could then conclude that:

1.       the others are really very busy

2.       the other students do not inform their parents or even give the letter

3.       the other parents choose to ignore the 2nd quarter PTC

4.       the others really don’t care at all.

Though I don’t want to conceive the last, I would be confident to mention it because that’s what I see in four to five of my Grade 9. To be honest, even the student's non- compliance of wearing the proper school uniform tells so.

My principl says, “ Children are not a distraction from the most important work. They are the most important work.” which I hope all parents could digest. Their non- appearance in the PTC is a reflection of what they are to their children. And teachers, as the second parents, are accountable to make a move on this. If one peso load is not enough to have their response, I guess to get on a tricycle and walk right through their streets wouldn’t be the hardest, the stupidest, and the riskiest thing to do. It might not be the best, yet it would make a difference. I for one, have started it and enjoyed the ride.