Syrian Family Hui at Moira Gallagher Kindergarten Moira Gallagher have a number of Syrian families who now attend the kindergarten. The teachers realised, due to language barriers, they weren’t able to have in-depth conversations with the parents around their children’s learning. Last week the teachers held their first hui at kindergarten for the Syrian families. They contacted the Red Cross and sought the help of two translators. Initially they wrote a newsletter to the parents and got this translated, inviting them to the kindergarten for a night of discussing their child’s learning. All the parents turned up and the evening was a great success; including: - parents asked specific questions about how their child was progressing
- asked how the transition to school process occurs
- the other parents encouraged a parent to bring his child to kindergarten regularly, regular attendance is important
- parents had Storypark explained to them – the next day parents began to use this platform
- they asked for a follow up hui some time in the future
- children had the opportunity to see their parents and teachers communicating about them in such a positive manner
- teachers were able to talk with parents about some medical practices that might support their children – that differs a lot from what the practices are in Syria.
The teachers from Moira Gallagher were also aware there were a number of Syrian families who had children enrolled at Nuanua kindergarten. These families and teachers from Nuanua were invited to attend the hui. They joined the evening and found it very valuable. This has strengthened connections for the families between the two kindergarten settings. 
Teachers, parents, children and translators talking together. 
Sharing kai during the hui. 
Thank you for taking the time to read Kōrero. | 
