Home-School Communication Related to Expressing Concerns

JIS Philosophy of Communication

At Jakarta Intercultural School we aspire to communicate effectively through high quality, high value messages that demonstrate mutual respect for all parties involved at all times. We choose simplicity over complexity, consolidation over duplication, and always keep in mind both our transitioning population and our intercultural and international community when communicating. The principles of subsidiarity and self-advocacy guide our philosophy in this area, which simply means that issues, where possible, should be dealt with at the closest level to the issue by the people directly concerned rather than escalated. Above all else, communication at JIS should be values-led by our JIS core values and dispositions including mutual respect, relating,  compassion and assuming positive intent. 

Expressing Concerns at JIS

Our aim is to create an environment that allows for open, forthright, and beneficial expression of concerns at JIS. We believe the following guidelines provide a way to be heard for persons who have a concern of any kind.

Voicing General Concerns

Step 1

Community members (teachers, administrators, students and parents) should communicate problems or concerns by beginning at the level closest to the issue. Whenever possible, speak directly to the individual involved or to the leader of the program about which you have a concern. The majority of problems can be easily resolved at this level.

Step 2

If the concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction at Step 1, you may bring it to the individual’s or leader’s supervisor.

Step 3

Having met with the supervisor, if a community member still feels that the issue has not been adequately resolved, an appointment should be made with the Head of School. In order to facilitate efficient communication, individuals are requested to provide the Head of School with general information about the concern prior to the meeting. (The Head of School will respond within 14 calendar days.)

Voicing Classroom-Related Concerns

Step 1

If a parent has a concern about a teacher of their child, we strongly encourage them to contact the teacher directly to discuss the issue. Generally, most issues can be dealt with at this stage. Teachers who have concerns or issues related to a student in their care need to directly contact the student’s parents, and if the issue may require school support, follow the steps outlined in the Student Support Flowchart. Teachers are committed to working closely with parents and will do their best to resolve the issue via communication or meet parents at a mutually convenient time. 

Step 2

If, following the meeting with the classroom teacher, a parent feels that the matter has not been resolved, an appointment should be made to revisit the issue with the teacher or to meet with the relevant vice principal, divisional principal or the teacher's direct supervisor.

Step 3

Having met with the divisional principal or supervisor, if a parent still feels that the issue has not been adequately resolved, an appointment should be made with the Head of School. In order to facilitate efficient communication, parents are requested to provide the Head of School with general information about the concern prior to the meeting. (The Head of School will respond within 14 calendar days.)

Note: If parent concerns are divisional, the parent should contact the divisional principal; if the concern is school-wide, going directly to the Head of School would be appropriate. 

Appeals against School Policy

In keeping with the school policy of self-advocacy, students have the right to appeal to the HS administration on occasions where they feel a departure from school policy is warranted. In these circumstances, the following steps will be taken:

1. Write a letter to the Associate Principal outlining the reasons for their appeal along with a description of the relevant situation.  

2. The HS Administration team will meet to discuss the unique circumstances and determine the outcome of the appeal.

3. The student is then informed of the decision which is then considered definitive.

4. This process will take within 10 days.