Effective communication between schools and families is essential for student success. When parents can understand and engage with their child’s education in their preferred language, trust grows, relationships strengthen, and students benefit. Language should never be a barrier to meaningful family–teacher partnerships.
This page outlines practical ways schools and educators can support families who speak languages other than English or French, while also creating a welcoming, inclusive school community.
Start With Accessible Communication
Families should always feel encouraged to contact their child’s school with questions or concerns. Begin by:
Providing translated intake or information forms to learn about each family.
Clearly letting parents know they are welcome to reach out to teachers and administrators.
Avoiding educational jargon and spelling out proper names (including assessment names instead of acronyms).
Schools are legally obligated to communicate essential information in ways families can understand.
Helpful Communication Tools
Translation apps: Messaging apps allow staff to write in English while parents receive messages in their home language—and replies are translated back.
Professional interpreters: Whenever possible, include trained translators in meetings and translate important notices or documents.
Community support: Local organizations, faith groups, ethnic associations, or businesses may help connect schools with bilingual volunteers or translators.
Simple language: Printed flyers or typed notes (not cursive) work well for many families.
Phone calls: Some families respond better to calls, especially when supported by bilingual staff, volunteers, or community liaisons.
Learning a few key phrases: Even a short greeting in a family’s home language shows care and builds connection.
In a pinch, tools like Google Translate can help—while not perfect, they are a good starting point.
Make Families Feel They Belong
Communication goes beyond language. Families need to feel valued as part of the school community.
Ways to build belonging include:
Hosting online or in-person meetings to get to know every family.
Asking simple, personal questions such as:
Creating opportunities for parents from similar backgrounds to connect with one another.
Forming a bilingual welcoming committee made up of parents, staff, and community members to support newcomers.
Recruiting bilingual parent volunteers through newsletters or surveys to help with outreach and simple phone calls.
Small gestures—like smiling, using a positive tone, and celebrating student successes—make a big difference.
Supporting Parental Involvement Despite Language Barriers
Language differences can affect participation in volunteering, school events, fundraising, and classroom activities. Educators can help bridge these gaps by:
Including interpreters at parent-teacher meetings.
Colour-coding notices or assignments (for example, blue for homework and yellow for general notices).
Sharing short videos of lessons so parents can better understand assignments.
Hosting homework clubs where families can observe or participate.
Inviting presenters who speak different languages to parent meetings or volunteer events.
Encouraging children to help translate when appropriate—this can be a positive skill-building opportunity.
Celebrate Cultural Diversity
Schools can strengthen connections by honoring families’ backgrounds and traditions:
Invite families to share cultural practices in the classroom.
Have students interview their parents about where they’re from, how they arrived, and what values matter most to them.
Encourage students to present these stories alongside their families.
These experiences deepen understanding and appreciation of the multiracial, multiethnic classroom community for everyone involved.
Supporting Families Beyond the Classroom
Strong relationships grow when schools also help meet basic needs. Connecting newcomer or struggling families with resources such as food, clothing, toys, or social services reduces stress and allows parents to focus more fully on their children’s education.
While improving communication takes effort, it’s an investment that leads to greater trust, stronger partnerships, and better student outcomes.
A Mindful Approach to Education
Being culturally aware—including understanding the languages students speak at home—is a key part of creating a welcoming learning environment. Thoughtful communication, respectful outreach, and inclusive practices help ensure every family feels seen, heard, and supported.
When schools and families work together across languages and cultures, everyone benefits.
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