We are all on the same team
Vesturbæjarskóli emphasizes good cooperation between home and school, and parents are encouraged to communicate regularly with teachers. Cooperation between homes and school contributes to a better school culture and increased student prosperity. When examining research findings on parental influence on their children's learning and well-being at school, it becomes clear that no single factor has as much impact on academic achievement and student well-being (Desforges, 2002). The emphasis on cooperation is evident in the Act on Compulsory Education and the national curriculum, where parents are viewed as partners regarding each individual child, the student body and the school as a whole.
Home and school cooperation
The goal of parent cooperation is to safeguard children's interests through information sharing and collaboration between parents and the school. Children gain a sense of security from mutual trust and respect between adults, as well as consistency in values and expectations at home and school. "All on the Same Team" is a collaborative project between homes and school aimed at strengthening parents' role in their children's welfare at school and creating opportunities for them in the school's daily activities. Various activities are carried out in cooperation with families, such as family homework assignments, morning coffee meetings, consultation meetings, academic presentations, group singing, educational workshops for parents, and weekly updates from teachers.
School council
Primary schools must have an active school council that serves as a forum for consultation between the principal and the school community on the school operation. The school council participates in shaping policy for the school and defining its unique character.
Vesturbæjarskóli Parent Association
Vesturbæjarskóli has an active parent association, and efforts are made to ensure everyone involved in school activities forms a strong school community. The parent association participates in various school traditions, such as the school run, Christmas crafting and the spring festival. The board of the parent association is usually elected at its general meeting at the start of the school year. Among other things, the parent association's board is responsible for electing representatives to the school council. Home and School have issued handbooks for parent representatives at all educational stages. These outline the roles and responsibilities of parent associations and school councils.