Harvard delivers its Family Engagement in Education Institute for the first time—right here in South Australia. You’ll learn alongside Harvard expert Karen Mapp and peers to explore how to design family engagement practices that are directly connected to student learning and specific to your context. Increase your capacity to engage staff and families to improve learner outcomes.
I have changed my thinking and my sites perception of family engagement. We now look to partner with families rather than doing things ‘for or to.’
2024 Harvard Leadership for School Excellence participant
Program overview
This 2-day institute hosted by Orbis on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 January 2026, convenes educators and school leaders from around South Australia. Working alongside your colleagues, you’ll analyse research on family engagement and learn how to align initiatives with what students need to thrive.
Learning objectives
Through participation in the program, you’ll:
- understand what the latest research on family engagement means for your school or preschool
- understand the difference between ‘random acts of engagement’ and systemic, integrated family engagement
- explore the infrastructure, roles, and skills required to sustain an effective engagement strategy
- learn how to define and measure outcomes and to evaluate practice.
You’ll leave with practical tools and a plan of action to create more trusting, collaborative and impactful partnerships with families.
Eligibility
This program is designed for school principals and preschool directors.
- Applications for fully funded places have now closed. These places require participants to attend all program days and follow-up sessions.
- If purchasing 1 ticket, the Principal or Preschool Director must attend.
- If purchasing a second ticket, you may invite 1 colleague to join you. This could be another leader or a teacher with a focus on strengthening family engagement. The follow up sessions are optional.
Discounted tickets
- $1,290 for 1 person, or
- $1,990 for 2 staff from the same school or preschool (maximum 2 per site).
You’ll need to cover all associated travel costs.
How to apply
Applications for 2026 Harvard leadership programs are now closed.
Principals and preschool directors will be notified when applications open again for future programs.