× EXIT Opening the School Gate | Meeting management Building trust Schools sometimes make contact with parents because there are particular patterns of behaviour amongst parents or students that they would like to change. This is completely legitimate, but the danger in discussing problems too early is that parents can easily feel shamed or persecuted. The experience may reinforce their fears that contact with school only happens when there are problems. The first meeting Here’s an example of what you could say at the first meeting: We know that the Australian education system can be difficult and confusing for many recently arrived parents and families. Some parents say they are worried about coming to school, because they feel that there might be a problem with their child, but that's not why we have invited you here today. We would like to make parents feel more comfortable, welcome and confident to ask questions now and in the future. The school would love to see more parents involved in the school but we know that the idea of getting involved in a school may not be familiar to some parents. We want to talk about that today. This is also an opportunity to talk about things that are important in the education of your children, and for you to advise the school how we could do better. What you can do Start with a topic that will engage parents such as homework or assessment. Explore parents’ and the school’s perspectives on the topic. Allow time to discuss questions in small groups. Keep discussions on track. Encourage parents to explore personal concerns about their family in private later. 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 1Overview 2Arranging seating 3Preparing and managing interpreters 4Greeting parents 5Keeping the discussions on track 6Building trust 7Exploring expectations about school involvement 8Explaining practical systems and roles 9Seeking feedback from parents 10Sustaining 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 | Meeting management Building trust Schools sometimes make contact with parents because there are particular patterns of behaviour amongst parents or students that they would like to change. This is completely legitimate, but the danger in discussing problems too early is that parents can easily feel shamed or persecuted. The experience may reinforce their fears that contact with school only happens when there are problems. The first meeting Here’s an example of what you could say at the first meeting: We know that the Australian education system can be difficult and confusing for many recently arrived parents and families. Some parents say they are worried about coming to school, because they feel that there might be a problem with their child, but that's not why we have invited you here today. We would like to make parents feel more comfortable, welcome and confident to ask questions now and in the future. The school would love to see more parents involved in the school but we know that the idea of getting involved in a school may not be familiar to some parents. We want to talk about that today. This is also an opportunity to talk about things that are important in the education of your children, and for you to advise the school how we could do better. What you can do Start with a topic that will engage parents such as homework or assessment. Explore parents’ and the school’s perspectives on the topic. Allow time to discuss questions in small groups. Keep discussions on track. Encourage parents to explore personal concerns about their family in private later. 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 1Overview 2Arranging seating 3Preparing and managing interpreters 4Greeting parents 5Keeping the discussions on track 6Building trust 7Exploring expectations about school involvement 8Explaining practical systems and roles 9Seeking feedback from parents 10Sustaining 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
