parents and principals as partners in creating a culture of learning

3.4 SYNTHESIS
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Education is primarily the task of the parents. 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 after the child is born. 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.
Parents are a child's first advocate, that is, a person who speaks for the child's
welfare and acts on behalf of the child. Parents' responsibilities therefore lie
mainly in the care of their children and their obligation to protect them and their
interests. In terms of family law, parents have a duty to support their children.
This support requires parents to provide for the physical and emotional needs of
their children, and to bring up and educate their children so that they can adjust
to and participate in society.
The educational relationship (which is founded on the relationship of trust,
understanding and authority) 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 by parents to create a culture of learning.
Leadership and management are not necessarily the same but they are not mutually
exclusive. Management is essentially the process of planning, organising, leading
and control. Leadership is more a process of encouraging and influencing people
to cooperate in achieving goals that are perceived to be mutually satisfying.
Principals must be both leaders and managers in order to create a culture of