Parent Engagement

Partnering with Parents for Every Step of the Journey

At The Lakes College, we believe education is a shared journey, one that is enriched when families and schools work together in genuine partnership.

Our commitment to Parent Engagement recognises that you are your child’s first and most important teacher. By building strong relationships with our families, we create a learning environment where every student feels supported, valued and empowered to thrive.

Strong Partnerships, Shared Success

When parents are engaged in school life, students feel a deeper sense of belonging and motivation to succeed. We’re proud to walk alongside our families, from the early days of Prep all the way to graduation, working together to help our young people flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

But I'm already Engaged in my child's school?

I'm always at the school volunteering at the sausage sizzle or helping out at Wunya Café?

Key Differences: Engagement vs Volunteering

Purpose & Focus

  • Volunteering often supports school operations - such as helping in the Café, attending events, or fundraising - primarily aiding the school itself. isq.qld.edu.au

  • Engagement focuses on partnering with teachers in your child’s learning, reinforcing curriculum goals, wellbeing and the student’s educational journey. isq.qld.edu.au

Who Leads the Activity

  • Volunteering is typically school‑led, with parents helping to execute school-driven tasks. isq.qld.edu.au

  • Engagement encourages a joint or family-led approach - parents initiate or contribute to learning at home by connecting to what happens in the classroom. isq.qld.edu.au

Impact on Student Learning

  • Volunteering helps build community, but its effect on learning is indirect - through general school support. isq.qld.edu.au

  • Engagement directly improves student outcomes - greater attendance, behaviour, homework completion, social skills and academic achievement. isq.qld.edu.au

Depth of Involvement

  • Volunteering tends to be episodic, event-based, and primarily focused on adults as school helpers. isq.qld.edu.au

  • Engagement is ongoing and purposeful - parents dialogue with teachers, support curriculum by asking questions, reading with their child and reinforcing learning at home in meaningful ways. isq.qld.edu.au

Philosophical Approach

  • Volunteering often positions parents as school supporters.

  • Engagement positions parents as partners in education - respected for their lived experience, collaborating with staff to nurture student learning and wellbeing. isq.qld.edu.au

Mastering Parent Engagement

There’s growing recognition that parent engagement plays a vital role in student learning and wellbeing, but how do schools move beyond conversation to lasting, practical change? In Queensland’s independent sector, the answer is ISQ’s Mastering Parent Engagement program. This year-long initiative blends evidence-based learning with real-world support to help school leaders embed authentic, sustainable engagement strategies. In this video, hear from 2024 participants as they share how the program is reshaping the connection between home and school.

Real Stories from Our Primary Families

Watch the video below to meet one of our Primary School parents as they share their experience at The Lakes College and what Parent Engagement means to them. Learn how families become an active part of school life - from classroom help and special events to meaningful collaboration with staff.

Secondary Years: Partnering Through Adolescence

As our students grow and become more independent, our approach to parent engagement evolves too. In the Secondary School, we continue to foster strong partnerships through:

  • Parent Teacher Interviews and Parent Information sessions that students are invited to attend

  • Thriving Through Transition events for our Year 7 cohort

  • Parent involvement in co-curricular programs and events, notably our TLC TechFest

  • Opportunities to support leadership, service and wellbeing initiatives

  • Clear, consistent communication between school and home

By maintaining open lines of communication and providing opportunities for involvement, we ensure that parents and carers remain informed, connected and empowered to support their children through the teenage years.

Supporting You to Support Them

We offer a range of opportunities, resources and experiences to ensure our parents and carers feel informed, connected and involved. These include:

  • Interactive Webinars & Workshops on topics such as child development, digital safety, learning support and wellbeing
  • Helpful Guides & Resources to support your child’s learning at home
  • Parent Information Evenings and transition sessions across all year levels
  • Community Events that build connection between families and the College
  • Opportunities to Volunteer & Engage in classrooms, co-curricular activities and special events
Stay Connected

Visit our Parent Portal, subscribe to our newsletters, or speak to your child’s teacher or Head of School to discover the many ways you can get involved.

Because when we work together, our children thrive.