× EXIT Opening the School Gate | Ongoing support Discussing welfare concerns with parents Many parents who have not developed a relationship with teachers fear the worst when a teacher makes contact and this can cause problems in communication about welfare concerns. Schools need to develop effective and supportive ways to assist families with the issues their children face and be able to recommend solutions that parents are happy with. Issues handled ineffectively can have a devastating effect on relationships at home and exacerbate issues at school. Family conflict, teenage pregnancy, truancy, mental illness, homelessness and drug use are all highly taboo subjects in some communities. Wherever possible, involve a migrant or refugee youth and family worker in providing advice about how to talk to a family before contacting parents. Approach problem-solving sensitively with family members to reduce any negative consequences for the student. What you can do Provide opportunities for parents to get to know teachers, welfare coordinators and the principal before any issues arise, so that an element of trust is established. Ensure parents are aware of the Wellbeing Framework for NSW public schools and receive translated information about the welfare support offered by the school at enrolment. When a student has difficulties, involve families as soon as possible to prevent a crisis response. Develop a contact list of organisations and bicultural workers who can provide advice on cross-cultural approaches to discipline. Remember not to provide details about the student or the situation if you don’t have the family’s consent. Seek student and parent permission to involve youth or community workers in the matter, including workers from the same cultural background as the family. Remember that some families may be too ashamed to involve members of their own community in personal or family affairs. Review disciplinary, welfare and academic progress policies in the school to ensure that they are complementary and integrated where appropriate. Provide interpreters when required. They are vital for any legal matters where family members must fully understand the situation or provide informed consent, and where English language ability may be diminished in a crisis. 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 Discussing welfare concerns with parents Many parents who have not developed a relationship with teachers fear the worst when a teacher makes contact and this can cause problems in communication about welfare concerns. Schools need to develop effective and supportive ways to assist families with the issues their children face and be able to recommend solutions that parents are happy with. Issues handled ineffectively can have a devastating effect on relationships at home and exacerbate issues at school. Family conflict, teenage pregnancy, truancy, mental illness, homelessness and drug use are all highly taboo subjects in some communities. Wherever possible, involve a migrant or refugee youth and family worker in providing advice about how to talk to a family before contacting parents. Approach problem-solving sensitively with family members to reduce any negative consequences for the student. What you can do Provide opportunities for parents to get to know teachers, welfare coordinators and the principal before any issues arise, so that an element of trust is established. Ensure parents are aware of the Wellbeing Framework for NSW public schools and receive translated information about the welfare support offered by the school at enrolment. When a student has difficulties, involve families as soon as possible to prevent a crisis response. Develop a contact list of organisations and bicultural workers who can provide advice on cross-cultural approaches to discipline. Remember not to provide details about the student or the situation if you don’t have the family’s consent. Seek student and parent permission to involve youth or community workers in the matter, including workers from the same cultural background as the family. Remember that some families may be too ashamed to involve members of their own community in personal or family affairs. Review disciplinary, welfare and academic progress policies in the school to ensure that they are complementary and integrated where appropriate. Provide interpreters when required. They are vital for any legal matters where family members must fully understand the situation or provide informed consent, and where English language ability may be diminished in a crisis. 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
