These Frequently Asked Questions about Byron Homeschoolers will tell you more about our group, for more about homeschooling click here. DO I HAVE TO BE A HOMESCHOOLER TO COME TO YOUR MEET UPS? No. We welcome people to come along and find out more. In fact because there are so many ways to homeschool, talking to lots of homeschooling families is the best ways to help decide whether it might be right for you and your family. DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN BYRON SHIRE TO BE A MEMBER? No. Participants in our group come from the surrounding region and no one minds where anyone lives. Byron Homeschoolers are also a part of the Northern Rivers Homeschool Network, which is a loose network bringing together groups and individuals in the Channon, Lismore and broader northern NSW region. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BYRON GROUP AND THE NORTHERN RIVERS GROUP? Byron Homeschoolers are a part of the Northern Rivers Homeschool Network, which also incorporates active homeschool groups in the Channon and Lismore which also meet weekly. There are many cross overs between us all and no matter in which town or which group you make your primary home you will find yourself welcome in each group. We intend to help organise a number of "Northern Rivers Homeschool" events that involve all of us, particularly with plans for a few regional camps. HOW DO I KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR EVENTS? At the moment Byron Homeschoolers are using the Northern Rivers Homeschool egroup as our main form of communication between our physical meet ups. You can find out how to join this egroup in our contact us section. DOES IT COST MONEY TO BE A MEMBER? There are no fees for the group. On occasion an event or activity will incur a cost. We always aim to keep such costs to the minimum and details of them will be posted to the egroup before the event. WHO DECIDES ON WHAT EVENTS YOU DO & WHERE YOU MEET? We all decide on events and schedules at our meet ups and via email. Any individual can also post events or ideas onto our egroup. HOW DOES YOUR GROUP HANDLE AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR, SHARING AND OTHER POTENTIAL CONFLICTS? We aim to handle issues that arise between all participants of the group (children and adults alike) compassionately, respectfully and supportively. We highly encourage a culture of communication where parents and children are not being judged but are being supported in creating a nurturing, fun and safe space for all. Some practical ideas on this topic have been described by Patty Wifler in her article entitled, "Policies that Work Well When Children Get Together". DO I HAVE TO HAVE PARTICULAR PARENTING STYLES OR HOMESCHOOLING APPROACHES TO BE A PART OF THE GROUP? No. Our group is diverse and encompasses a range of views and ideas but most importantly we all share a commitment to accepting and respecting other people's choices. Some families unschool others use a curriculum. Some are into Aware parenting, non violent communication or other approaches which other parents may not use or perhaps have not even heard of. We aim to foster a culture where different ideas and styles can be shared without judgement or making anyone wrong. We are committed to our diversity becoming a strong foundation from which each parent and family can chart their own course on their own unique parenting and homeschooling journey. ------------------------- we hope that has helped answer your questions but feel free to ask us in person also. You can also click here to view our FAQ on homeschooling. |