2. A crucial ingredient to developing strong Family – School Partnerships
The Principal

4. Our Community
99% CALD with low levels of formal education in the parent community
Low SES – they dream and aspire to be middle class
Limited self belief and poor confidence – ‘people like us’
Recent years have seen an increase in stress and anxiety within the Arabic speaking and Pacific Islander communities largely because of the ways their communities are described in the media and especially the ways that young people are described
Good people but judged poorly and at times stereotypically
Searching for the best education for their child – what every parent wants!
Crying out for school rejuvenation and a sense of belonging

5. WE USED OUR CHALLENGES TO INSPIRE STRENGTH AND COURAGE
Where we stood...
Media – “worst of schools…guns in school…out of control…criminality…”
“Hard to staff” school with offer of transfer to each member of staff in 2003
Lurching between crises
Last resort for students
At the mercy of vultures
WE USED OUR CHALLENGES TO INSPIRE STRENGTH AND COURAGE

6. Context 3 pronged approach from 2005 Amenable Learning Environment
Staff Professional Learning
Community Engagement
Shared philosophy to create good young men and to give of ourselves what we wanted for our children

7. TODAY Seen as a reformist school
NAPLAN results for 2010 & 2011 – amongst highest in the nation for growth
Students achieve an exceptionally well rounded education
Hub of the community with facilities for all to share
Student numbers have grown over 65% since 2005
We believe in the philosophy of a school representing a family and developing a sense of belonging for all community members
Making a genuine difference to the whole community

8. Things to engage The gate and station
Understanding customs, not patronising the community
HT Community employed using equity funding
Restarted the P&C in a proactive way
Use of translations in all documents
Operate on a ‘their time’ model
Became a part of the local community by:
raising our profile and demystifying the school
sharing celebrations and supporting them during tragedies
Utilising local press
P&C picnic days
community service
Advocating for the community at every opportunity
Things to engage

9. Some things to be proud of!
Parent Teacher nights – the old spinaphex is gone
P&C meetings – over attendees
Community dinners – annual highlight - orderly chaos!!
Parent information nights, community partnerships, mum and dad nights – helping build capacity and relationships
Open door, knowing parents
Development of trust and respect
WE TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY
THAT COMES ALONG

10. Delving deeper.. Ten week parenting program Parent led mentoring
Parent/community volunteers - Year 12 Graduation gowns
Multicultural Fair
Interfaith and Intercultural work
Feeding the homeless program
Creating the concept of a family where everyone plays a key role

11. THAT YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Five top tips …
Know your community – they are all different
Have community based events – will take time – provide lots of food
Get to know the local businesses and Places of Importance
Be real – the way you are perceived is important
Put your heart on the line...schools are all about community
YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE
THAT YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE