Engaging with new students and families

The start of a new academic year is a big deal. For students, teachers, parents, and school staff. That’s why there’s such importance placed on welcoming and engaging all newcomers to your school to create a sense of belonging and community.

Engaging new students and families is a critical aspect of creating a supportive and inclusive school environment. Effective engagement strategies can lead to improved student outcomes, stronger family-school relationships, and a more cohesive community.

Thankfully engaging effectively with students and families doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are some tactics you can try out:

Welcome and Orientation
Schools can create a welcoming atmosphere by hosting orientation sessions that introduce new students and families to the school's culture, expectations, and resources.

Communication
Clear, consistent, and two-way communication between schools and families is essential. This can be facilitated through newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, and the use of technology platforms.

Involvement Opportunities
Encouraging parents to participate in school activities, such as volunteering, attending events, or joining parent-teacher associations, builds a sense of belonging and investment in the school community.

Feedback and Improvement
Schools should seek feedback from students and families to continually improve engagement strategies and address any concerns that may arise.

It's important to note that these strategies should be tailored to the unique needs of each school. You can find more engagement strategies with Firefly’s eBook ‘Engaging New Students and Families: A Guide for Schools’.