As a parent or carer, you are an important part of our school community. We offer a range of services to support you and your family.
Families in Cultural Transition (FICT) Program
Families from Fairfield IEC are invited to attend the program Families in Cultural Transition (FICT), which aims to assist new arrivals to settle more easily in Australia. The main objectives of the program are to:
- Inform people of free or low cost services such as housing, Centrelink, welfare services and educational pathways.
- Help families to communicate with each other more effectively in a new culture.
- Explain the changes that affect people’s lives during and after migration, and to help people to adjust to these changes.
- Learn about schooling in Australia.
- Give the participants an opportunity to discuss difficult or traumatic experiences in their own language, in a safe and supportive environment.
- Introduce people to other families and other couples who speak the same language and share similar experiences.
- To learn about free and low cost recreational activities in Sydney.
- Have fun in a friendly and safe environment.
PARENT ORIENTATION DAY
Parents of Fairfield Intensive English Centre are invited two Parent Orientation days, the first in Term 2 and the second in Term 4. During the Parent Orientation, staff members of the IEC provide information about schooling in NSW, the IEC’s welfare system, transition of IEC students to high school and TAFE and resettlement. A demonstration lesson is also be delivered.
Counselling for families
The school counsellor can assist when families undergo a trauma or big change. Contact us to make an appointment. For information in community languages, see school counselling service.
Outside of the education system, free telephone counselling services are available to support families who may be going through a difficult time.
- Lifeline – 24-hour telephone counselling service. Ph: 13 11 14.
- Mensline Australia – 24-hour telephone counselling service for men. Ph: 1300 789 978.
- Parent line – an advice and information service. Ph: 1300 1300 52.
Interpreting and translations
We will help you communicate with our school. If you’d like an interpreter for a school meeting, let us know and we will arrange one, if available.
If you don’t speak or understand English well and want to contact us, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language. The operator will call the school and get an interpreter to help. This service is free.
For more information, listen in your language.
Visit the department’s translated documents section for important information that’s relevant for your child’s education in many languages.