The beginning of the school year is a powerful moment for teachers. It’s your chance to build trust, set expectations, and create a positive partnership with families. One of the simplest ways to do this? A well-crafted welcome letter or class meeting.
Why a Welcome Letter Is a Game-Changer
What It Achieves:
- Builds immediate rapport with parents and carers
- Clarifies expectations and promotes transparency around behaviour, homework, routines, and communication
- Reduces parent anxiety by showing you’re organised, approachable, and invested
- Minimises repetitive questions — everyone receives the same information at the same time
- Instils confidence that their child is in safe, capable hands
Pro Tips:
- Keep it succinct and easy to skim — parents are more likely to read and retain key takeaways
- Proofread carefully — nothing erodes trust faster than grammar mistakes
- Run it through an AI — it can help tighten clarity and catch small errors you may have missed
Prefer Face-to-Face? Host a Class Meeting
If you’d rather connect in person, a short class meeting in Week 1 or 2 can be just as powerful.
Benefits of a Class Meeting:
- Introduce yourself and your teaching style
- Walk families through routines and expectations
- Answer questions in real time
- Build a sense of community among parents
Even 10–15 minutes can make a big difference in how supported families feel.
What to Include (Letter or Meeting)
Whether you choose a letter or a meeting, consider covering:
- A little about you and your teaching style
- Behaviour expectations and class management
- Homework routines (including home reading)
- How and when parents can contact you
- Timetable highlights (specialist subjects, library days)
- Important procedures (e.g., Crunch & Sip)
- How families can support learning at home
Clear communication early in the year sets everyone up for success - you, your students, and their families.