× EXIT Opening the School Gate | Planning meetings & events Arranging catering Providing food and drink at a meeting will make families feel welcome. Make sure the food source is appropriate and be aware of dietary restrictions. Consult parents and/or community representatives about providing culturally appropriate food. What you can do Organise culturally appropriate food through a local caterer or shop. Some schools have found it beneficial to employ parent caterers. Be aware of dietary restrictions and label meat, keeping it separate from other food. Provide vegetarian food or sweets as they are suitable options for people from most cultures. Locate diverse dishes or snacks as making an effort will be appreciated by families. Encourage parents who offer to bring food to share, or provide a multicultural buffet. This is something you could discuss once you have established a stronger relationship with families. Don’t assume people understand that to ‘bring a plate’ means bring some food to share. Guests supplying food is seen as rude in some cultures. Resources 0 Course menu Introduction 1 Welcome tour 2 Getting started 3 Overview 4 Benefits of engaging families 5 Issues for migrant and refugee families 6 Issues 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 1Overview 2Deciding on a format 3Setting the agenda 4Seeking parent and student input 5Choosing an appropriate time 6Finding a suitable location 7Arranging childcare 8Arranging catering 9Arranging transport 10Inviting families 11Translating information 12Arranging 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 | Planning meetings & events Arranging catering Providing food and drink at a meeting will make families feel welcome. Make sure the food source is appropriate and be aware of dietary restrictions. Consult parents and/or community representatives about providing culturally appropriate food. What you can do Organise culturally appropriate food through a local caterer or shop. Some schools have found it beneficial to employ parent caterers. Be aware of dietary restrictions and label meat, keeping it separate from other food. Provide vegetarian food or sweets as they are suitable options for people from most cultures. Locate diverse dishes or snacks as making an effort will be appreciated by families. Encourage parents who offer to bring food to share, or provide a multicultural buffet. This is something you could discuss once you have established a stronger relationship with families. Don’t assume people understand that to ‘bring a plate’ means bring some food to share. Guests supplying food is seen as rude in some cultures. Resources 0 Course menu Introduction 1 Welcome tour 2 Getting started 3 Overview 4 Benefits of engaging families 5 Issues for migrant and refugee families 6 Issues 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 1Overview 2Deciding on a format 3Setting the agenda 4Seeking parent and student input 5Choosing an appropriate time 6Finding a suitable location 7Arranging childcare 8Arranging catering 9Arranging transport 10Inviting families 11Translating information 12Arranging 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
