Author Description

Opening the School Gate is a resource kit that provides teachers and other school staff with a range of strategies to encourage parents and families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds to fully participate in the educational experience of their children at school. childâs education has a significant positive effect on students. Research indicates that parental engagement can lead to higher academic success, improved attendance, more time spent on homework, increased school retention and fewer discipline problems. Aside from the important educational outcomes for CLD young people, schools can play a vital role in the settlement process for those born overseas, supporting students and their families to feel that they belong and have a meaningful contribution to make to Australian society. Parental involvement in schooling can also bridge the gap in cultural values between home and school life that can occur in CLD families and ease any intergenerational conflict that may arise, improving the level of family connectedness. Once families are connected with schools, they can receive assistance with their childâs educational and social development. Feelings of connectedness to family, friends, community and school have been shown to be the most significant factors underpinning an individualâs resilience.