× EXIT Opening the School Gate | Meeting management Explaining practical systems and roles It is important to explain school policies and procedures to parents and to use key staff to build relationships. There is often misunderstanding about school guidelines on basics like uniforms, homework and buying books. Families may want to check the information they have received from their child or other families against school policy written in their first language. Using visual aids and practical demonstrations also help to overcome language barriers. What you can do Arrange a tour of the school. Introduce key staff and explain their roles in the school. Include information on school policy and procedures. Bring examples of forms or reports to show parents how they are filled out, providing translated copies of documents where they are available. Give demonstrations of activities that you are trying to encourage. Use photos or videos of past activities. Draw pictures or diagrams or use other visual images to illustrate a point. Use stories, culturally relevant analogies and real-life examples or role-plays. 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 Explaining practical systems and roles It is important to explain school policies and procedures to parents and to use key staff to build relationships. There is often misunderstanding about school guidelines on basics like uniforms, homework and buying books. Families may want to check the information they have received from their child or other families against school policy written in their first language. Using visual aids and practical demonstrations also help to overcome language barriers. What you can do Arrange a tour of the school. Introduce key staff and explain their roles in the school. Include information on school policy and procedures. Bring examples of forms or reports to show parents how they are filled out, providing translated copies of documents where they are available. Give demonstrations of activities that you are trying to encourage. Use photos or videos of past activities. Draw pictures or diagrams or use other visual images to illustrate a point. Use stories, culturally relevant analogies and real-life examples or role-plays. 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
