Host Family: More Details
What is the purpose of the program?
The Host Family program was created to successfully assist new families in feeling welcomed and comfortable at Brunswick. New families are assigned a current family to act as "Host" and to offer a friendly and informative hand to the new family - especially during the first transition year.
Host Families work with both the new students and their parents. It is an underlying assumption that happy and well-informed parents are better equipped to help their son adjust to the new environment.
Who gets a Host Family?
Every student new to Brunswick School is assigned a Host Family - even though he may have a sibling already at the school. Often, the family who has a son at the school may already know much about the activities and calendar and feel comfortable at the school. However, it is still worthwhile for that student and his parents to be introduced to his new classmates and their parents.
How are Host Families chosen?
The division heads and the admission office, along with the Brunswick Parents Association (BPA) executives and division representatives, are consulted to suggest names of those who may be interested.
What relationship is expected with the new family?
Often the Host Family and new family become good friends. However, this is not expected. Your hospitality, however, is appreciated by Brunswick and welcomed by the new family.
It is not assumed that the Host Family and children will be "best friends" with the new family. We do ask, however, that your children be helpful and understanding of the new student's feelings and concerns about making friends and starting at a new school. This takes on added significance in middle and upper school.
What are the responsibilities of a Host Family?
There are a variety of responsibilities of the Host Family that are essential to the success of the program.
- You are responsible for assisting in the new student's adjustment to Brunswick. Prior to the start of school in September, it is strongly recommended that the Host Family arrange a get-together with one or more students in the grade so that the new student can begin to meet boys in the class.
- On New Student Orientation Day, Tuesday, September 6, 2005, please try to join your new family following their orientation program for an informal get together for pre-school, lower and middle school boys.
- The Host Family is responsible for insuring that both the student and parents are informed about important meeting dates, events and information about the culture and traditions of Brunswick School.
- The commitment of the Host Family continues throughout the academic school year with special emphasis on weekly contact in September and October, and monthly contact thereafter. Throughout the year please remind your new family of class events, Parents Together lectures, and other school programs.