Asia Literacy in the wider community: bringing parents on board

We recently asked principals from two contrasting primary schools about how they build demand among parents for teaching Asian languages and cultures.

Larger and urban

Tim Dodds of Chatswood Public School in Sydney’s northern suburbs explained that a large majority of its 715 strong student population are from non-English speaking backgrounds.

‘The school has produced videos, translated the school website into both Korean and Chinese, translates the annual school report, teaches English to parents and provides translators for key meetings,’ Mr Dodds said.

He added that they incorporate material in newsletters on different events and festivals that take place in the school throughout the year.

Smaller and rural

Meanwhile, over in Western Australia, Lis Turner of Waggrakine Primary School near Geraldton mentioned similar methods to bringing parents on board in a setting of less ethnic diversity.

‘As a whole school we are planning to continue to promote the importance of Asia literacy to the wider community through encouraging publicity of school events celebrating our engagement with Asia.’ See more of what she said.

• How do you help parents understand the incentives for teaching Asian languages and culture?
  
• How do you overcome resistance to change and new ideas?
  
• How can demand for teaching with an Asian focus be created?

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