× EXIT Opening the School Gate | Meeting management Keeping the discussions on track Explain to the audience what will happen during the meeting, so they know when it is appropriate to speak. Follow the agenda you have set, but allow time for discussion. Remember to accommodate varied concepts of time-keeping when setting your start time. Maintain some degree of flexibility to allow issues of concern to parents to be dealt with. Addressing stigma During meetings, it is useful to talk openly about the fact that some families feel there is a problem if the school contacts them to arrange a meeting or participate in an activity. Let parents know the reasons for your interest in their children and in forming better links with families. After a few sessions parents may be more open to discussing concerns the school has without feeling blamed or singled out. What you can do Discuss positive and neutral topics at first to build positive relationships and shared understanding. Give parents positive feedback about their role and attendance. When discussing difficult issues, give positive feedback and provide solutions where possible. Give families the opportunity to voice their opinions on issues so that you gain a more holistic understanding of the problem. 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 Keeping the discussions on track Explain to the audience what will happen during the meeting, so they know when it is appropriate to speak. Follow the agenda you have set, but allow time for discussion. Remember to accommodate varied concepts of time-keeping when setting your start time. Maintain some degree of flexibility to allow issues of concern to parents to be dealt with. Addressing stigma During meetings, it is useful to talk openly about the fact that some families feel there is a problem if the school contacts them to arrange a meeting or participate in an activity. Let parents know the reasons for your interest in their children and in forming better links with families. After a few sessions parents may be more open to discussing concerns the school has without feeling blamed or singled out. What you can do Discuss positive and neutral topics at first to build positive relationships and shared understanding. Give parents positive feedback about their role and attendance. When discussing difficult issues, give positive feedback and provide solutions where possible. Give families the opportunity to voice their opinions on issues so that you gain a more holistic understanding of the problem. 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
