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EducationROSEVILLE COLLEGE:ROSEVILLE COLLEGE -THE KEY TO TEACHINGTHE KEY TO TEACHING CHILDRENCHILDREN "COMMUNITY" “COMMUNITY”(AT SCHOOL)!MS DEB MAGILL, INCOMING PRINCIPAL 2017“Community” is important to a constructive and progressive society. It is referenced during times of celebration, change or grief, and is central to the wellbeing and development of our children.I have observed firsthandat Roseville College how the intentional involvement of parents in their child’s education andtheir school community can be, single-handedly, one of the most important things a parent can do for their children. As we practice “community”, our children learn community for themselves.At Roseville College we frequently refer to our own enviable community that underpins our dynamic learning environment and the individual development of more than 800 K-12 girls.At its most basic, a “community” is a group of people who might live near each other, share a common interest or goal, and/ or who remain connected (now often virtually, too). Community can be experienced through family, friendships, neighbours, church, sporting groups and clubs. Importantly, qualities of inclusion and belonging, care and wellbeing are vital to a healthy, lasting community.In childhood, a schoolcommunity is one of the first communities to which a child will belong – it is here that children learn to be part of something, to collaborate with others and navigate personalities different to their own, and to grow under the shared goal of learning for a bright future.There is an undeniable, measurable benefit to students when parents: establish a nurturing learning environment at home; have a constructive expectation of the purpose for their children’s learning (fulfilling careers, independence); and, become involved in their child’s school community and learning experiences (Olsen and Fuller, 2008). To children, the benefits are life-long: the knowledgethat their family belongs to and endorses their school community positively influences a child’s academic effort and achievement, self- esteem and social identity, social skills, and benchmarks for behaviour and aspirations. There are reciprocal benefitsto the school. These include a stronger reputation in wider society, higher staff moraleand ability to attract quality teachers, external community support, higher performancein school programs (correlating with levels of parent and family involvement), as well as an inclination toward achievement in educational benchmarks. An engaged and loyal community is one of a school’s greatest assets. Roseville College welcomes andhonours community. We provide a place for girls and familiesto belong; living, growing and learning together.A past parent, who said “mywife and I threw ourselves intothe life of the College,” believes involvement spans every aspect of school life – from assisting children in learning activities, joining parent committees, supporting fundraisers, administering alumni programs, making donations, to simply attending school events and productions.The key, he said, was discovering what the school community needed and putting a hand up to help. His advice to parents was also a remarkable endorsement of the College: “Don’t stand back. Make Roseville your own school, too, and your family will have the most wonderful experience in this very nurturing, embracing and empowering place – and watch your girls become who they were born to be.”As parents look to 2017 and wonder how they can teach their child “community”, perhaps rephrase thequestion to ask how you can demonstrate “community” to your child by becoming a more intentional part of their school to ensure the success and lifeblood of that community. You’ll love the benefits.Ms Deb Magill BEd MECh MACE MACEL, has more than 20 years of experience as an educator and education leader, and is Roseville College’s 10th Principal commencing 2017.