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Support for refugees – Whole school support for refugee students
The following are materials, resources and program suggestions that assist in developing a whole school approach for refugee students. They promote a safe and welcoming environment that facilitates recovery, learning and settlement.
Print publications and documents
School's in for refugees (http://www.foundationhouse.org.au/publications.php) – is a Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture publication. The audit and case-studies from School's in for refugees examine school policies and practices with an aim to developing a whole-school approach.
Good practice principles (PDF – 633Kb) (http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/settle) – is a guide for working with young refugees. It suggests core values, principles and practical actions for providing consistent and responsive services.
Home From Home is a United Kingdom guidance and resource pack for the welcome and inclusion of refugee children and families in schools. Home From Home is available for loan from the Languages and Multicultural Education Resources Centre (LMERC) library
DVD and video
Not a matter of choice – Information about refugees for schools and teachers – this video can help staff and students to better understand the refugee experience and the support needs of students from refugee backgrounds.
The video can be shown at a staff meeting and the support materials provide information about conducting a professional development session based on the content. Use the sample classroom activities for thinking about the refugee experience.
Not a matter of choice – Information about refugees for schools and teachers, and support materials, is available for purchase from the Languages and Multicultural Resources Centre (LMERC). For mail orders see: Order Form for ESL, Multicultural Education and LOTE materials (Word - 65Kb).
Videos and television documentaries about contemporary refugee and asylum seeker issues are also available from LMERC's video collection.
Program development
Consider setting up a homework program, tutoring support program or after school club program at your school.
How to set up a homework support program for migrant and refugee young people (http://www.eccnsw.org.au) – the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW has prepared this material which outlines steps for assessing the need for, planning and implementation of such a program. Make contact with other schools to share experiences and swap ideas.