Wordworks hosts donor Frank Jackson Foundation for a tour at Otter’s Creek Pre-primary

May 2024

At Wordworks, the Home–School Partnerships (HSP) program continues to show the value of involving parents and caregivers in their children’s early learning—through educational resources for parents and practical language development activities at home.

These individuals are not only dedicated parents but also active contributors to their communities, helping to create strong foundations for literacy and learning in the home.

The HSP programme is designed to strengthen collaboration between families and schools by recognising the important role that parents and caregivers play as their children’s first teachers. Facilitated by Foundation Phase and Learning Support teachers, the programme offers a series of eight workshops for parents and caregivers of children aged 5 to 8 years.

Each session runs for 2½ hours and provides a supportive, informal space where participants can explore practical ways to encourage language and literacy development at home. The workshops cover essential early literacy practices – such as talking, listening, reading, and playing – while encouraging shared learning, reflection, and confidence-building among families.

One example of the programme in action is at Helderberg Primary School, where parents have taken part in the first three sessions of the HSP journey. Their enthusiasm and active participation reflect a deep commitment to supporting their children’s education and strengthening home–school relationships.

The HSP programme continues to grow through the dedication of teacher-facilitators and the engagement of parents who are investing time and care into their children’s learning.