parents and principals as partners in creating a culture of learning

[175]
characterised by poverty, inharmonious family life, lack of family support,
parental control and discipline.
7.2.3 Parents and Principals as Educators
Parents should have no uncertainties as to their educational responsibility as
parents. They must assume responsibility for a child's existence from conception
until he accepts responsibility for his own life as an individual - to live his own
life though his parents still accept final accountability for what he says and does.
As the child's primary educators, parents are responsible for the adequate
education at home, which serves as a basis for school education. Parents should
be fully aware of their role, purpose and task, as well as the possibilities and
limitations of their activities as regards the education of their children. The
purpose ofthe child's education is not only adequate support and guidance towards
adulthood, but also optimal realisation of the child's unique potential. No fixed
pattern, formula or method can be prescribed to parents in regard to their
educational responsibilities as parents.
Parenthood implies, in all circumstances, changed attitudes among members of the
family concerned but more in particular, the parents. The relationship between
parent and child is unique in the sense that it is based on parental love and care.
The educational relationship between parent and child is formed with the specific
aim of educating the child. The quality of the relationship has a direct influence
on the success or failure of the education act. The education relationship is
founded on the relationship of trust, understanding and authority between parent
and child.
The principal is the leader in the school and one of the tasks he has to perform is
that of managing the school. The principal needs to be both a manager as well as
a leader. As a manager he must ensure that fiscal and human resources are used