In a social media post on Thursday, parent Mark Heslin posted a copy of a letter sent to him by Exeter High School, informing parents that reports would only be issued to parents and carers who physically attended a meeting at the school.

Mr Heslin said he called the school on Thursday and was informed there was “no leeway” for parents who are disabled, single parents, working or unavailable for the meetings, and that reports would no longer be posted out.

An Education Department spokesperson said it was a school’s decision on how to distribute reports to parents.

“Exeter High School are encouraging parents to engage with the teacher of their children to assist in the reporting process and to ensure a relationship is built between teachers and parents.  We know how valuable it is for both children and parents to be engaged with their child’s learning as much as possible,” the spokesperson said.

“Exeter High School has provided a letter to parents advising of when they will receive their child’s report prior to the parent/teacher interviews. Of course the school, while encouraging parents to attend these interviews, understands that not all parents can attend these sessions for a variety of reasons and these parents will still receive their child’s report.  It was always the school’s intention for parents to receive their child’s report.”

Tasmanian Principals Association president Malcolm Elliott said the policy was not unusual with many schools requiring parents to attend a meeting for their child’s report card.

Mr Heslin said his family usually received the report cards by mail, giving them time to discuss the results with his two sons before a meeting at the school.

“We interact with the school quite a lot with our kids, and I understand exactly where the school’s coming from, and that they do need more interaction from parents,” Mr Heslin said.

“But my concern is the fact that it’s forcing people to do it … you will not be supplied this that you’re entitled to anyway, if you do not do this.

“It’s the overbearing thing that’s annoyed me.”

Discussion on Mr Heslin’s social media post ranged from supportive of the school’s policy to agreeing with his concerns.

In the school newsletter dated June 30, Mr Frerk wrote to parents that a policy of all children being joined by a parent or carer at their meeting was being implemented.

“Parents will collect student reports prior to the interview and will have a chance to read through them before participating in the 3 Way Interview,” he wrote.

“This year it is expected that every student will be supported by a parent or significant adult to their interview.

“I would like to stress the value and importance of these conversations in reflecting on each student’s learning, including celebrating positive progress, reviewing learning goals and discussing any areas where improvements can be made.”

Mr Elliot said across Tasmanian schools, the reporting process was an integral part of a child’s education and schools used reporting meetings to develop parent engagement, address issues and support teachers and students. 

“It’s not a general policy, it’s up to the school,” he said.

“Normally that process is used to get parents to come to the school to have a chat with the school about their child’s progress.”

Mr Elliott said it was schools decided how to implement report card meetings to best meet their students, teachers and parents requirements.