Language barriers and a different cultural perspective often make it difficult for migrant and refugee families to become involved in schools and for children to flourish. Likewise, schools can find it difficult to reach beyond these barriers and communicate well with parents.

Companion House, a community organisation founded to care for survivors of torture and trauma, provides a range of services to help.

Cultural awareness training for school staff can help break down the barriers of a lack of shared cultural heritage. In some cultures for example schools, and principals in particular, are held in such high esteem that parents will not approach the school if there are problems or to ask questions. Simply understanding this can help staff reach out to these families.

Companion House run cultural awareness courses which can be presented in staff meetings or as a staff development session. Their factsheet called ‘Tips for Teachers’ haspractical tips on supporting migrant students and building relationships with parents and the community.

Companion House can also assist schools by providing counselling services for students who have been traumatised by their migrant or refugee journey.

“One of the most important things for migrant families is understanding. Schools and teachers simply realising their difficulties and their point of view goes such a long way,” says Glenn Flanagan from Companion House.

“Then schools generally realise how important it is to use translating or interpreter services when communicating with parents,” he says.

Council and Companion House are working together to run an event for principals early next year, to help them feel more confident reaching out to migrant families.

Find resources at www.companionhouse.org.au and more about translating and interpreter services at www.tisnational.gov.au.

This article appeared in ParentACTion, Term 4, 2015. See other past editions of our quarterly magazine.