The Hidden Framework Behind Great School Culture

Download the School Community Events Guidelines

If you host, plan, or support any school community gatherings, you need to download the School Community Events Guidelines right now.
This free resource gives you a tested framework to welcome families, support connections, and design meaningful farewells.
Schools around the world rely on these principles to build community with intention.
You can use the same guidance to create inclusive, thoughtful, and transformative events.
Download the guidelines now.

This article captures some of a rich conversation I shared with Madeleine Hewitt, Executive Director of the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA).

She shares wisdom drawn from decades of work with global school communities and how they cultivate belonging across borders and transitions.

Belonging Begins Before Arrival

Imagine you are a child who just landed in a new country.
Your friends are thousands of miles away.
Everything is unfamiliar.

Now you walk into a new school.

In our conversation, Madeleine explained how international schools understand this moment.
They don’t wait for students to figure it out on their own.
They prepare for their arrival.
They make sure someone greets them at the door.
They offer a buddy, a welcome invitation, and a reason to feel safe.

This isn’t accidental.
It’s designed.

Real Onboarding Takes Time

Most communities treat onboarding like a single-day event.
The best international schools treat it as a season.

Madeleine described how educators check in over weeks and months.
They look for signs of isolation.
They ask whether the student has made a friend.
And they reach out to parents to understand what might not be visible.

Good onboarding requires real care.
It also needs structure.
These schools assign people to observe, connect, and follow up.

You can bring that same commitment to your own school community.
The guidelines offer practical steps.

Every Goodbye Sends a Message

Children in international schools move often.
And so do their families.

This level of churn can be painful, especially when no one acknowledges the transition.
Madeleine emphasized how important it is to say goodbye well.

Saying goodbye tells people they mattered.
It honors the time they spent in your community.
It also teaches children that relationships deserve closure.

Rushed exits hurt connection.
Thoughtful goodbyes reinforce trust.

Design Everything Like It Matters

If you run school events, don’t improvise.
Plan for the experience you want people to feel.
Ask these questions before gathering:

• Who is hosting and greeting?

• Does the invitation clearly say what this event is for?

• Will families feel prepared or confused?

• Have you created opportunities for natural connection?

Events don’t need to be large or fancy.
We want them to feel meaningful.
This begins with design.

You can get tested tools that schools use to create these kinds of experiences with the School Community Guidelines.

Closing Reflection

This conversation with Madeleine Hewitt left me inspired.
She showed what is possible when schools lead with care, follow with attention, and finish with dignity.

Are you creating spaces where newcomers feel expected?
Are you helping them feel they belong?

Get free resources on building the community you long for at www.charlesvogl.com

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