How We Keep Parents Informed and Engaged at BISS
“When parents and school work in close partnership, children feel supported, confident, and empowered to be their best. Clear, open communication is at the heart of everything we do at BISS.”
— Corina Rader, Director
At the British International School of Stockholm (BISS), we believe that education is a true partnership between school and home. When parents are actively involved and well-informed, children thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and socially too. That's why our communication strategy is designed to be transparent, timely, and two-way. From digital updates to hands-on classroom experiences, we make it easy for families to stay connected to their child's learning journey. In this post, we'll explore the key ways we keep you in the loop at BISS.
Weekly Windows into the Classroom with our school Parents App
Imagine getting a vibrant snapshot of your child's day, complete with photos of hands-on experiments, group discussions, or that triumphant "aha!" moment during a math lesson. That's exactly what our school Parents App delivers. Teachers share weekly updates straight to your phone, offering insights into classroom activities and the joy of learning. It's more than just a newsletter; it's a real-time window into your little one's world, helping you celebrate the small victories and spark meaningful conversations at dinner. No more wondering what happened at school today, it's all right there in your pocket.
Hands-On Insights from Look at Learning Sessions
We don't just tell you about learning; we invite you to see it in action. Our Look at Learning Sessions bring parents into classrooms several times a year for an up-close view of the magic unfolding. What makes these sessions especially powerful? Your child leads the way, reflecting on their experiences through four key prompts:
Something I am proud of – Celebrating personal growth and achievements.
Something I enjoyed – Highlighting the fun that fuels curiosity.
Something I found tricky – Building empathy and understanding around challenges.
Something that showed resilience – Showcasing grit and perseverance.
These moments aren't performative, they're authentic glimpses into how your child thinks, learns, and grows. It's a beautiful way to bridge the gap between school and home, fostering pride and partnership.
Deep Dives in Parent-Teacher Conferences
Following each Look at Learning Session, we roll out Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs)—your dedicated time for one-on-one chats with teachers. These aren't rushed check-ins; they're thoughtful discussions about your child's individual progress, strengths, and tailored next steps. Whether it's fine-tuning study habits or exploring ways to nurture a budding interest in science, PTCs empower you with actionable insights. It's our commitment to personalisation, ensuring every family leaves feeling supported and excited for what's ahead.
Homework as a Bridge to Home Learning
Homework at BISS isn't about busywork, it's a purposeful extension of the classroom. Carefully designed to reinforce key concepts and introduce simple strategies, it equips parents with tools to support learning at home. Think guided reading prompts that reveal phonics techniques or math challenges that mirror school discussions. By sharing these methods, we're not just assigning tasks; we're inviting you into the process. It's a subtle yet effective way to demystify the curriculum and turn everyday moments, like baking cookies into a fractions lesson, into opportunities for connection.
Empowering Parents Through Workshops
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to supporting your child's development. That's why we host regular Parent Workshops on essential topics like phonics fundamentals, maths mastery strategies, the joy of reading, and nurturing emotional wellbeing. Led by our expert teachers, these sessions are interactive and practical, packed with takeaways you can use immediately. Whether you're brushing up on sight words or learning mindfulness techniques to ease homework stress, these workshops turn parents into confident co-educators. And the best part? They're always evolving based on your input.
Sharing the Joy: Celebrating Successes Big and Small
At BISS, communication isn't reserved for challenges, it's equally about the highlights. Teachers proactively reach out to share good news stories: a stellar presentation, a kind act on the playground, or a breakthrough in reading fluency. These "celebration calls" or messages remind us all that growth comes in moments of pride and achievement. By focusing on the positive, we build a culture of appreciation that strengthens the home-school bond and boosts your child's confidence.
Comprehensive Overviews with Formal Reports
Twice a year, we pull it all together in our Formal Reports, detailed summaries of your child's progress across every curriculum area. These aren't dry data dumps, they blend attainment levels, effort insights, and qualitative notes on social-emotional development. With clear benchmarks tied to the British curriculum, you'll see not just what your child has learned, but how they've grown. It's our way of providing a holistic snapshot, complete with recommendations to keep the momentum going.
A Two-Way Street: Open Communication Always Welcome
At the heart of everything is open communication. We're here for the big questions, the quick clarifications, or even sharing a funny anecdote from home that might inform classroom dynamics. Email, the app, or a casual chat, teachers are accessible and approachable. This two-way partnership means we're responsive to your needs, creating a supportive network where everyone feels heard.
Bringing It All Together at Community Events
Learning doesn't happen in isolation, so neither should celebration. We invite you to Community Events and Assemblies, where classes showcase projects, performances, or debates to the whole school family. Picture your child beaming as they present a history timeline or lead a poetry reading, it's a shared joy that reinforces classroom lessons in a lively, communal setting. These gatherings build a sense of belonging, reminding us that BISS is more than a school; it's a vibrant community.
Listening and Evolving with Your Feedback
Finally, we know what works best comes from you. Through ongoing feedback via surveys, Fika with the Director, and parent forums, we continually refine our approach. Your voice shapes everything, from app features to workshop topics, ensuring our methods stay relevant and effective for busy Stockholm families.
At BISS, keeping parents informed isn't a checklist; it's a promise. We're dedicated to making your involvement seamless and rewarding, because when you're engaged, your child soars.
Learn more at our next Open House on January 29th—we'd love to see you there and answer any questions in person. Together, let's make 2026 another year of discovery and delight!
British International School of Stockholm – Where curiosity meets community.
