This is the final episode in this four-year-old podcast series which has addressed many different aspects of the home/school partnership. In the series finale, Jamie and Carol highlight key messaging from some of their most memorable podcasts.

Many highly respected educators have stressed that the inevitable achievement gaps will have to be addressed upon the return to in-person learning. There needs to be a comprehensive plan that outlines a multi-year commitment to address these gaps. Such a plan will obviously require a significant financial commitment, but, such a commitment pales in comparison to the price all educational stakeholders have had to pay throughout the pandemic.

Digital literacy is all about having the ability to access, use, create and share information and content from a range of on-line sources. Today’s students are far more proficient at accessing this information, than actually analyzing its message. It is incumbent on both parents and teachers to teach children how to critically evaluate what they read, see and hear.

Financial literacy will allow our children to make sound decisions regarding money for the rest of their lives. In 2020, the Ontario government introduced the new financial literacy curriculum for students from grades 4–12. This document presents a wide range of important financial concepts to students, as well as provides parents with numerous resources to help guide their children to a better understanding of money matters.

In January, Jamie and Carol discussed how the pandemic has erected barriers which have made home/school communication difficult for parents. In this podcast, they continue this conversation, looking at some additional meeting frustrations that parents may encounter and provide strategies for working through those frustrations.

As we begin another new year, the pandemic continues to have a hold on our children’s school experiences. This disruption also has an impact on parents and their ability to communicate with their child’s teacher and school. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss some common meeting frustration that parents may experience and provide strategies for working through those frustrations.

As parents continue to establish and re-establish connections with their child’s school and teachers, it’s important to establish ongoing, and respectful communication between both parties. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the whys and hows of communication and ways to support communication when a disconnection occurs.

It is well documented that a strong home-school partnership correlates to overall student success. This partnership, in many cases, was hindered by the pandemic and the transition of many students to virtual learning. As we move forward with the 2021-22 school year and the return to in-person learning, it is essential for families and educators to jointly re-ignite this connection between home and school.

On October 10th, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. As children are returning to school and countries are still trying to manage the pandemic, this day has never been more important. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss mental health, warning signs for parents to watch in their children, and also suggestions to promote a healthy mental state.

As another school year commences, it is more important than ever that families and students re-establish their connections with the school, their teachers and classmates. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the importance of these connections and the vital role extra-curricular activities play in a child’s physical, social and emotional well-being.