How SMCS Partners with Parents in Student Development

Choosing the right school is as much about academics as it is about finding a community that values and supports every part of a student’s growth. At St. Michael’s College School (SMCS), education is a team effort, and parents are essential members of that team. From the moment a student enters our halls, we work alongside families to help shape well-rounded, grounded young men prepared for university, service, and life.

Rooted in Catholic values and guided by the Basilian Fathers’ tradition, SMCS emphasizes the importance of nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit––and we recognize that a strong partnership between home and school is key to this mission.

The Philosophy Behind the Partnership

At the heart of Catholic education is community. The best outcomes for students come when teachers, staff, and parents are aligned in purpose: to help young men grow in character, faith, leadership, and academic excellence.

The Basilian Fathers bring a long-standing commitment to forming students through relationships. Their motto, “Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge,” speaks not just to the curriculum but to the way we live and learn together. Educators and parents engage in regular conversations, not only about academic performance but also about each student’s personal development, strengths, and struggles.

This partnership is active and intentional. Parents should feel informed, involved, and supported, just as their sons do.

How SMCS Engages Parents

Open, Ongoing Communication

Communication is key to any strong relationship, and SMCS provides multiple channels to keep parents informed and engaged in the dialogue. From parent-teacher interviews to regular email newsletters, we ensure families are always up-to-date on their son’s progress and school life.

We also maintain a News and Events section on our website, regularly updated with stories, highlights, and upcoming initiatives. It’s a window into the vibrant day-to-day life at SMCS: whether your son is on the football field, in the robotics lab, or serving at Mass, we make it easy to stay connected and involved.

St. Michael’s College School Parents’ Association (SMCSPA)

One of the most visible and dynamic ways parents participate in school life is through the St. Michael’s College School Parents’ Association (SMCSPA). This parent-led group plays a vital role in building community, supporting school initiatives, and fostering communication between families and school leadership.

Here’s what the SMCSPA is all about:

• Monthly meetings: Open to all parents, these gatherings are a great way to hear updates directly from school leaders, ask questions, and contribute to ongoing discussions.
  
• Support for school initiatives: Whether it’s a new student programme or a school-wide improvement plan, the SMCSPA helps share information and gather input from the broader parent body.
• Volunteer opportunities: Parents support the arts by working as ushers and ticket takers at SMCS dramatic events and music concerts. These events couldn’t happen without our generous parent volunteers.
• Event planning: From welcome events, grade-specific socials, jazz night, and the Father & Son BBQ, the SMCSPA organizes events that bring families together and strengthen our bonds.
• Fundraising efforts: Through various initiatives, including the annual Gala in November, the association raises funds that directly benefit students—supporting co-curricular programming with special items for teams and clubs.

The SMCSPA is a reflection of the school’s culture of inclusion and engagement. Parents bring ideas, energy, and talent, and their efforts make a real difference in student life.

SMCS Parent Ambassador Programme

The partnership doesn’t end at the school doors. At SMCS, parents also play an important role in welcoming and guiding new families. The SMCS Parent Ambassador Programme invites current parents to serve as friendly, knowledgeable points of contact for prospective families during the admissions process.

Parent Ambassadors:

• Share their personal experiences with SMCS
• Offer honest insight into school culture, academics, and community
• Answer questions from families considering SMCS for their sons
• Help new families feel confident and supported as they navigate the admissions process.

This programme works in tandem with our Student Ambassador Programme, which pairs current students with applicants to give them a student-to-student perspective on life at SMCS. Together, these ambassador roles help make the transition to SMCS smooth, welcoming, and full of real connection.

A Community That Grows Together

At St. Michael’s College School, our partnership with families is a cornerstone of our approach to helping young men flourish. Grounded in Catholic values and the Basilian tradition, this collaboration is evident in everyday interactions, community events, volunteer efforts, and one-on-one conversations. From the Parents’ Association to the Parent Ambassador Programme, there are meaningful ways for parents to contribute, connect, and be part of something bigger.

When families engage in school life, students feel it. They see that their growth matters not just to teachers, but to a whole network of people who care. This support strengthens their confidence, enriches their education, and deepens their sense of purpose.

The relationships built at SMCS between students, parents, and school create a lasting foundation. The values learned and the community built here continue to shape young men long after they’ve moved on to university and beyond.