The Ministry of Education has created 25 helpful tips for School Councils on involving parents in the school. This month, we’re sharing tips #11-16:
School events
Creative school events that appeal to the needs and interests of parents provide a key introduction to the school. These tips will help you develop events that will engage parent involvement to help support student achievement and well-being.
Tip 11: Showcase evening
Use a special showcase evening to highlight school programs and activities, to provide parent education, or to offer the opportunity to meet other parents. Here are some ideas to consider in partnership with the school:
- feature a school activity or project such as the school choir or band, a drama group, science experiments or technology displays
- consider providing a speaker to present information on a topic of interest to parents such as healthy eating, positive mental health or supporting your child’s learning
- provide a brief information session by school council on a topic or issue of current interest to the school community
Tip 12: Organize a school fair
Consider organizing a career, health or community services fair. Participants may include parents and representatives from outside groups in the community. A fair provides an excellent opportunity for community involvement and demonstrates the school's commitment to supporting families.
Tip 13: Offer volunteer training program
Offering a school volunteer training program can go a long way to building parent confidence and building involvement. Sessions might be considered, for example, to provide coaching on being a reading buddy, or a library assistant.
Tip 14: Develop a parent education program
Parents often welcome information on a variety of topics related to parenting and their children's schooling. Consider developing information sessions on topics such as:
- parent-teacher interviews
- partnering successfully with teachers
- school volunteering
- adolescence
- internet safety
- healthy lifestyles
- positive mental health and well-being
- drug and alcohol issues
- successful homework hints
Tip 15: Host a welcome back to school event
To re-engage parents early in the school year, and welcome new parents to the school, hold a “Welcome back to school” event in partnership with the school, which might combine a barbeque or similar social event with a meet-the-teacher opportunity.
Tip 16: Organize a multicultural program
Where the school serves a diverse community, multicultural programs and events can serve not only to welcome all parents, but also to share and enjoy a wide range of traditions, cultures, sports and other activities. Some events you may want to consider:
- hold an international fair in which families create simple displays highlighting their customs and traditions
- run an outdoor recreation day featuring a popular international sport or other activity which can be shared with the school community, for example, cricket