× EXIT Opening the School Gate | Ongoing support Creating a welcoming environment Schools that are welcoming, positive, respectful and supportive of parents from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to experience the successful engagement of migrant and refugee families in school activities and thus achieve positive outcomes for students. Schools that have ‘welcome’ signs and directions in key languages spoken by students and families not only provide practical assistance, but give the message that the school is inclusive and welcomes diversity. Posters depicting diversity, and traditional artwork in public areas, can also make people feel comfortable and accepted. Student artwork and school photos on display can be a talking point for families and a source of pride. The Calendar for Cultural Diversity, distributed annually to NSW public schools, includes a multilingual welcome poster which may be displayed in schools to welcome parents from a variety of language backgrounds. What you can do Provide multilingual, written information about your school, including school policies, support and orientation programs and multicultural initiatives, to prospective students and their families. Secondary schools may wish to provide information about their schools and secondary education in feeder primary schools and Intensive English Centres. Written translations are especially useful for orientation meetings. 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 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 1Overview 2Creating a welcoming environment 3Seeking consent 4Addressing parent concerns about camps 5Catering for cultural dietary needs 6Discussing welfare concerns with parents 7Addressing discipline issues 8Reporting on student progress 9Holding parent-teacher meetings 10Creating opportunities for meaningful involvement Acknowledgements 1 Acknowledgements Resources 0
× EXIT Opening the School Gate | Ongoing support Creating a welcoming environment Schools that are welcoming, positive, respectful and supportive of parents from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to experience the successful engagement of migrant and refugee families in school activities and thus achieve positive outcomes for students. Schools that have ‘welcome’ signs and directions in key languages spoken by students and families not only provide practical assistance, but give the message that the school is inclusive and welcomes diversity. Posters depicting diversity, and traditional artwork in public areas, can also make people feel comfortable and accepted. Student artwork and school photos on display can be a talking point for families and a source of pride. The Calendar for Cultural Diversity, distributed annually to NSW public schools, includes a multilingual welcome poster which may be displayed in schools to welcome parents from a variety of language backgrounds. What you can do Provide multilingual, written information about your school, including school policies, support and orientation programs and multicultural initiatives, to prospective students and their families. Secondary schools may wish to provide information about their schools and secondary education in feeder primary schools and Intensive English Centres. Written translations are especially useful for orientation meetings. 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 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 1Overview 2Creating a welcoming environment 3Seeking consent 4Addressing parent concerns about camps 5Catering for cultural dietary needs 6Discussing welfare concerns with parents 7Addressing discipline issues 8Reporting on student progress 9Holding parent-teacher meetings 10Creating opportunities for meaningful involvement Acknowledgements 1 Acknowledgements Resources 0
