× EXIT Opening the School Gate | Introduction Benefits of engaging families OPENING THE SCHOOL GATE - ENGAGING MIGRANT AND REFUGEE FAMILIES Studies have shown that the active involvement of parents in their child’s education has a significant positive effect on students. Research indicates that parental engagement can lead to: higher academic success more time spent on homework increased school retention improved attendance fewer discipline problems (Victorian Parenting Centre, 2005). Aside from the important educational outcomes for students, schools can play a vital role in the settlement process for those born overseas, supporting students and their families to feel that they belong and have a meaningful contribution to make to Australian society. Parental involvement in schooling can also bridge the gap in family and cultural values between home and school life and may ease any intergenerational conflict that may arise between young people and their parents, improving the level of family connectedness. Once families are connected with schools, they can receive assistance with their child’s educational and social development. Feelings of connectedness to family, friends, community and school have been shown to be the most significant factors underpinning an individual’s resilience (Commonwealth of Australia, 2001). Resources 0 Course menu Introduction 1Welcome tour 2Getting started 3Overview 4Benefits of engaging families 5Issues for migrant and refugee families 6Issues for schools Planning for engagement 1 Overview 2 Involving key staff 3 Identifying the target groups 4 Targeting communities 5 Working with community partners 6 Setting objectives 7 Allocating resources Planning meetings & events 1 Overview 2 Deciding on a format 3 Setting the agenda 4 Seeking parent and student input 5 Choosing an appropriate time 6 Finding a suitable location 7 Arranging childcare 8 Arranging catering 9 Arranging transport 10 Inviting families 11 Translating information 12 Arranging interpreters Meeting management 1 Overview 2 Arranging seating 3 Preparing and managing interpreters 4 Greeting parents 5 Keeping the discussions on track 6 Building trust 7 Exploring expectations about school involvement 8 Explaining practical systems and roles 9 Seeking feedback from parents 10 Sustaining parent involvement Ongoing support 1 Overview 2 Creating a welcoming environment 3 Seeking consent 4 Addressing parent concerns about camps 5 Catering for cultural dietary needs 6 Discussing welfare concerns with parents 7 Addressing discipline issues 8 Reporting on student progress 9 Holding parent-teacher meetings 10 Creating opportunities for meaningful involvement Acknowledgements 1 Acknowledgements Resources 0
× EXIT Opening the School Gate | Introduction Benefits of engaging families OPENING THE SCHOOL GATE - ENGAGING MIGRANT AND REFUGEE FAMILIES Studies have shown that the active involvement of parents in their child’s education has a significant positive effect on students. Research indicates that parental engagement can lead to: higher academic success more time spent on homework increased school retention improved attendance fewer discipline problems (Victorian Parenting Centre, 2005). Aside from the important educational outcomes for students, schools can play a vital role in the settlement process for those born overseas, supporting students and their families to feel that they belong and have a meaningful contribution to make to Australian society. Parental involvement in schooling can also bridge the gap in family and cultural values between home and school life and may ease any intergenerational conflict that may arise between young people and their parents, improving the level of family connectedness. Once families are connected with schools, they can receive assistance with their child’s educational and social development. Feelings of connectedness to family, friends, community and school have been shown to be the most significant factors underpinning an individual’s resilience (Commonwealth of Australia, 2001). Resources 0 Course menu Introduction 1Welcome tour 2Getting started 3Overview 4Benefits of engaging families 5Issues for migrant and refugee families 6Issues for schools Planning for engagement 1 Overview 2 Involving key staff 3 Identifying the target groups 4 Targeting communities 5 Working with community partners 6 Setting objectives 7 Allocating resources Planning meetings & events 1 Overview 2 Deciding on a format 3 Setting the agenda 4 Seeking parent and student input 5 Choosing an appropriate time 6 Finding a suitable location 7 Arranging childcare 8 Arranging catering 9 Arranging transport 10 Inviting families 11 Translating information 12 Arranging interpreters Meeting management 1 Overview 2 Arranging seating 3 Preparing and managing interpreters 4 Greeting parents 5 Keeping the discussions on track 6 Building trust 7 Exploring expectations about school involvement 8 Explaining practical systems and roles 9 Seeking feedback from parents 10 Sustaining parent involvement Ongoing support 1 Overview 2 Creating a welcoming environment 3 Seeking consent 4 Addressing parent concerns about camps 5 Catering for cultural dietary needs 6 Discussing welfare concerns with parents 7 Addressing discipline issues 8 Reporting on student progress 9 Holding parent-teacher meetings 10 Creating opportunities for meaningful involvement Acknowledgements 1 Acknowledgements Resources 0
