parents and principals as partners in creating a culture of learning

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In future the school and the family will have to communicate with each other in
an organised manner. Apart from their work in the classroom teachers and
principals will thus have to be trained for effective communication with parents.
If not, they are likely to develop a defensive attitude towards any form of parent
involvement. It is important that every teacher and principal should be convinced
ofthe necessity of a sound partnership between these two parties (SAOR, 1985:3).
(3) Partnership
Education is primarily the task of the parents (Van den Aardweg & Van den
Aardweg, 1988: 181). Within the family context education is promoted by the fact
that family ties of the parental homes as primary social group are much closer and
more intimate than any other bond within any other social group. This duty of
education is confirmed by the baptismal vow made by parents (Theron & Bothma,
1990:160).
Linked to parents' responsibility to educate and guide the child towards adulthood,
the following legal requirements apply (Van der Vyver & Jouben, 1988:611;
Oosthuizen (ed.), 1994:143-144; Kruger, 1996:29):
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The parent is responsible for the physical education of the child. Related
to this is the parent's duty to physically care for, protect and clothe the
child.
The formation of the character of the child includes aspects such as
honesty, diligence, obedience, patience and dependability.
Religious instruction is the right of the parent.