Parent-teacher conferences have long been a familiar part of the school experience, but today's conferences at Saskatoon Public Schools put students at the centre of the conversation.

On October 22 and 23, elementary schools across the division will welcome families for Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences, also known as three-way conferences. These meetings provide an opportunity to celebrate student learning, identify areas for growth, and strengthen the important relationship between home and school.

While the basic purpose of conferences hasn't changed, involving students in the conversation makes the experience especially meaningful.

Depending on their age, students may share work they're proud of, reflect on their strengths, discuss challenges, and help identify goals for their continued learning. In Prekindergarten and Kindergarten, conferences may take a more hands-on approach, with children participating in activities that demonstrate their developing skills.

The goal is to ensure everyone has a voice: the student, their family, and their teacher.

A conversation worth preparing for

Teachers put considerable thought into preparing for conferences. This might involve helping students select examples of their work, reflect on their progress, or identify learning goals. Teachers also bring their own observations and evidence of learning to help guide the discussion.

But preparation isn't just for teachers. Parents and guardians bring something equally important to the table: their understanding of their child beyond the classroom.

Families are encouraged to come ready to share what they're noticing at home, what their child has been saying about school, and any questions they may have. These perspectives can provide teachers with valuable insights and help everyone work together to support the student's success.

Why attending matters

Unlike the quick conversations that might happen during school drop-off or pick-up - or even via Edsby - conferences provide dedicated time to focus entirely on one child and their learning.

Even when things are going well, there is value in hearing students describe their own progress, celebrating their accomplishment, and discussing what comes next.

Conferences are also an opportunity for families to share insights that teachers might not otherwise have. Together, these perspectives help build a more complete picture of the child and how best to support their continued growth.

Ultimately, three-way conferences are about more than discussing schoolwork. They're about building relationships, celebrating progress, and reinforcing an important message to every student: you are known, valued, and believed in.

Want to learn more about three-way conferences? Tune in to the Global Saskatoon newscast on cable or StackTV app on Thursday, October 22, at 10 p.m. for a Family Matters segment on three-way conferences. Heather Carruthers, classroom complexity teacher, will share insights on what families can expect and why these conversations matter.