Opening the School Gate | Planning meetings & events

• For some cultural or religious groups there are important times in the day or week (such as prayer times) when it would be inappropriate to call a meeting or hold an event.
• You might provide meeting times during the evening and some during the day to suit different groups, such as working parents and those who work shifts.
• Be aware of different cultural attitudes to time-keeping. To allow for late arrivals, you could advertise an earlier start time rather than your actual starting time.

It is important to recognise that religious commitments may be central in the lives of some migrant or refugee families and that they may inhibit the ability of parents to attend activities. For example, during a period of reflection or fasting (such as Lent or Ramadan) or celebrations (like Chinese New Year), families will be preoccupied and much less likely to attend school activities.

• Access the Calendar for Cultural Diversity through the DoE intranet site. Hard copies are also available in NSW public schools.
• While being careful not to clash with religious or cultural celebrations, consider how you might acknowledge their importance in planning activities and events. Holding an event with parents/carers close to a key time of celebration can add a sense of cultural inclusivity.
• Ask parents’ advice about appropriate times for meetings.