Dear Parent/ Guardians,
Following on from the parents survey sent out before Christmas below are key recommendations from the survey:
Parent Tips Flyer – Supporting Homework, Study & Athena Engagement
Portumna Community School – January 2026
Key Messages
Most students spend 30–90 minutes on homework each night.
Short, regular revision beats cramming – 5–10 min recall is powerful.
Athena and VSware give you a clear picture of learning and progress.
Study periods between Week 10/20/30 assessments help organisation and confidence.
How Parents Can Help
Create a consistent homework routine with a set start time.
Use a distraction‑free space – remove phones during homework time.
Check in positively: ask ‘What’s the first thing you need to do?’ not ‘Have you everything done?’
Encourage small manageable goals: 20‑minute blocks with short breaks.
Review Athena targets together after Weeks 10, 20, and 30.
Praise effort, strategies and progress – not just results.
Effective Study Strategies
Use retrieval practice: flashcards, mini‑quizzes, reading notes aloud.
Past questions boost confidence and highlight gaps.
Space study across the week – avoid last‑minute cramming.
When Homework Takes Too Long
Prioritise tasks by due date and importance.
Set a reasonable cut‑off time to avoid overload.
Encourage your child to ask teachers for clarification when unsure
Regards,
SSE Team
Portumna Community School – Supporting Students Together
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