Settling Softly

This series of seven video pods, comprising 21 vignettes, highlights some key insights of the centre facilitators and hub leaders in the project. One of the central ideas that emerged across all sites was that a ‘soft’ entry point, where newcomers could feel safe, supported and learn about their new home was critical to successful settlement. Hence we called the series of video pods ‘ Settling Softly.

(videos are also available in Arabic and Dari translations)

Communicating to connect Good communication is key to building and maintaining inclusive relationships between refugee families, schools and community centres. Accommodating languages other than English, harnessing technology and building on the unique strengths and experiences of parents from diverse cultural backgrounds can foster communication. Introduced by Costa Georgiadis and presented by Kristina Pukeroa, Facilitator of Schools as Community Centres Program, Fairfield Public School (Fairfield, NSW), Erem Zafar, Educator, Broadmeadows Community Hub (Broadmeadows, Victoria), and Natalia Meliendrez, Multicultural Community Development Worker, Northern Settlement Services Ltd. (Bateau Bay, NSW). Worksheet	Relationships matter Schools and community centres both work to support children and their families in different ways, however, the relationship between these two groups is not always easy. In this video we'll take a look at what three different schools and their community centres have done to make it work. Introduced by Costa Georgiadis and presented by Mark Harris, Principal, Auburn North Public School (Auburn, NSW), John Stafford, Community Engagement Coordinator, Jericho Community Learning Village, Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School (Roxburgh Park, Victoria), and Michelle Smith, Community Hub Leader, St Pauls Catholic School (Woodridge, Queensland). Worksheet
‘Out There’ Making it Work The government wants to settle more refugees and migrants outside metropolitan centres in regional and rural areas. What are some of the issues for refugee families living in these areas? How do they respond? What does it take to make it work and help refugees thrive in a regional area? Introduced by Costa Georgiadis and presented by Sister Diana Santleben, Head of Zara's House, Wanda McInnes-Fog, Educator, Zara's House (Jesmond, NSW), Liz Arcus, Community Hub Leader, St Georges Road Primary School & Shepparton English Language Centre (Shepparton, Victoria), and Ricky Adams, Engagement Coordinator, Darling Heights State School (Toowoomba, Queensland). Worksheet	Tips for Starting School Refugee families can face many challenges with their children’s transition to school because of language differences, and a lack of understanding about Australian cultural and educational expectations. Introduced by Costa Georgiadis and presented by Nayana Bhandari, Community Engagement Educator, Jericho Community Learning Village, Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School (Roxburgh Park, Victoria), Ricky Adams, Engagement Coordinator, Darling Heights State School, (Toowoomba, Queensland), Sister Diana Santleben, Head of Zara's House, and Wanda McInnes-Fog, Educator, Zara's House (Jesmond, NSW). Worksheet
Playgroups and early learning Playgroups and play-based learning have a very important role in supporting kids' health and development, their transition to school, and gives their parents' opportunities to make new friends and build social relationships. Some refugee parents may be unable or unwilling to access playgroups. They may not understand the value of play-based learning, or they may just feel like they don’t belong. Sometimes even practical reasons, like a lack of transport, prevent them from participating. Introduced by Costa Georgiadis and presented by Hasfa Ashfaq, Facilitator of Schools as Community Centres Program, Harmony House, Auburn North Public School (Auburn, NSW), Natalia Meliendrez, Multicultural Community Development Worker, Northern Settlement Services Ltd. (Bateau Bay, NSW), and Silja McIvor, Community Hub Leader, Woodbridge North State School Community Hub (Woodridge, Queensland). Worksheet	Productive Responses to Diverse Parenting Welcoming refugees requires an understanding and an appreciation of the diversity of cultural practices associated with family life. Learning to appreciate and understand different ways of parenting is important when welcoming refugees. Cultural differences can provide opportunities for learning about a new place, people and change. Introduced by Costa Georgiadis and presented by Sister Diana Santleben, Head of Zara's House, Wanda McInnes-Fog, Educator, Zara's House (Jesmond, NSW), Michelle Smith, Community Hub Leader, St Pauls Catholic School (Woodridge, Queensland), and Penny Dearlove, Community Hub Coordinator, Marsden State School (Marsden, Queensland). Worksheet
	Creative Responses to Settling New Refugees Refugees seek safety as a result of upheaval brought by war, famine, genocide, and increasingly climate change. Responding to the arrival of large numbers of refugees in a short space of time can be challenging. Community hubs facilitate inter-agency network support, provide learning opportunities, and help newly arrived refugees connect with each other. Introduced by Costa Georgiadis and presented by Sister Diana Santleben, Head of Zara's House, Wanda McInnes-Fog, Educator, Zara's House (Jesmond, NSW), and Silvia Amici, Hubs Support Coordinator, Hume City Council (Broadmeadows, Victoria), Kristina Pukeroa, Facilitator of Schools as Community Centres Program, Fairfield Public School (Fairfield, NSW). Worksheet

Settling Softly

Communicating to connect

Relationships matter

‘Out There’ Making it Work

Tips for Starting School

Playgroups and early learning

Productive Responses to Diverse Parenting

Creative Responses to Settling New Refugees