Killinarden Community Home School Community Liaison Coordinator (HSCL)
Supporting Students, Families and Our School Community
My name is Imelda Bowe and I am the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) Coordinator at Killinarden Community School.
The HSCL programme is based on the understanding that parents and guardians are the most important people in a young person’s life and play a vital role in their education and development.
My role is to help build strong, positive relationships between home, school and the wider community, working alongside students, parents/guardians, teachers, school management and community services to support every student to reach their full potential.
What does the HSCL do?
As HSCL Coordinator, my role includes:
· Building positive relationships with parents and guardians and encouraging strong communication between home and school.
· Supporting parents and families with any concerns or difficulties that may affect a young person’s education, attendance, participation or wellbeing.
· Supporting student attendance and engagement, working with students, families and relevant school staff to help students attend regularly and remain engaged in school.
· Supporting the transition from primary to secondary school, helping students and their families to make a positive and successful transition into first year.
· Working with students and families who may need additional support to overcome barriers to participation in education.
· Liaising with school staff and relevant services, including the School Completion Programme, Educational Welfare Services and community agencies, where appropriate.
· Connecting families with community supports and services that may be able to provide additional assistance.
· Encouraging parental involvement in school life and creating opportunities for parents and guardians to have a voice in their child’s education.
· Promoting positive home-school partnerships, recognising that students benefit when the adults supporting them work together.
Supporting the Transition to Secondary School
Starting secondary school is a significant milestone for both students and their families. As HSCL Coordinator, I play an important role in supporting this transition.
I work with our incoming first-year students, their families and our feeder primary schools to help make the move to Killinarden Community School as positive and as smooth as possible.
The aim is to ensure that students feel welcomed, supported, confident and connected as they begin their secondary school journey.
A Partnership Between Home and School
We recognise that strong relationships between home and school can have a very positive impact on students.
When parents and guardians feel supported and are able to communicate openly with the school, we can work together to identify concerns early, celebrate successes and help young people overcome challenges.
The HSCL role is about partnership, support and communication. It is not about judging families or placing blame. It is about working together in the best interests of the student.
Whether you have a concern about attendance, engagement, transition, wellbeing or another issue affecting your child’s experience of school, I am here to listen and help where I can.
Parents Association- Get Involved!
Parents and guardians are an important part of our school community, and your voice, experience and involvement are valued.
There are many ways to become involved in school life, whether through school events, parent initiatives, activities or simply by maintaining positive communication with the school.
Every family is welcome to make contact.
If you would like to discuss any concerns, find out more about the HSCL role, or explore what supports may be available to your family, please get in touch.
Contact
Imelda Bowe
Home School Community Liaison Coordinator (HSCL)
Killinarden Community School
Phone: 089 202 0996
Email: HSCL@Killinardencs.ie