Everyone knows that first impressions count. So it was perhaps unfortunate that many of my colleagues first encountered me as I was leaping on to a table in jubilation, brandishing an oversized blow-up “lucky cat”.

It was the end of the scavenger-hunt-welcome-event that my international school arranges every August, and my team had just won “tackiest souvenir” with my inflatable feline, purchased from a street vendor earlier that day.

I hadn’t previously been aware of quite how strong my competitive streak was, nor that I could be relied upon to find the most tasteless knick-knack possible in under five minutes. Already, I’d learned a lot from this staff social.

A social (with or without) distance 

Of course, the current climate will limit what is possible when it comes to integration and competitive exuberance but, for international teachers especially, having the chance to meet and relax with other staff is hugely important.

Our event was an inspired way to have staff meet one another: teams were dictated by school “house”, bringing an element of healthy competition that would last all year through to the sweltering end-of-year sports day.  

Mixes of new and “established” staff ensured that everyone got a chance to interact with one another while tasks such as “film a video of every team member eating a bowl of noodles” and “have every member get a manicure in a salon” treated all participants to a crash-course in the local area.

Local staff were also included, offering invaluable tips on their culture (do you know which types of noodles are the quickest to eat? I didn’t, either. I do now). As staff socials go, it was one of the most successful I’ve ever attended.

The importance of friendships in international schools

In international schools, colleagues often end up also becoming housemates, friends, holiday partners, support networks….everything you need in a home away from home. It’s essential that these relationships can flourish for teachers to be happy. 

Staff happiness is becoming an increasingly important focus in schools. The Teacher Wellbeing Index revealed last year that 49 per cent of educational professionals considered their workplace culture to be negative.

Providing staff with ample opportunities to broaden their social circles can have a huge impact on their happiness, which, in turn, affects everything from staff retention to the quality of lessons - happy teachers are better teachers.

Here are my seven tips for planning a staff social at an international school. 

1. Remember the rules

I think it goes without saying that any gatherings need to stick to the local guidelines when it comes to social distancing.

But it pays to remember that everyone will have their own anxieties around Covid-19 transmission, so be considerate when it comes to getting groups together.  

2. Branch out to other schools

Arriving in a new country and attempting to navigate an unfamiliar culture means that many international teachers quickly form tight-knit groups within their schools. However, this can be a double-edged sword, as teachers begin to feel claustrophobic. Encouraging socialising with other international schools can help.

Aside from ensuring staff have a chance to occasionally escape the confines of their own school, joint staff socials can also lead to collaborative academic projects, like school trips or events.

3. Offer variety

First impressions matter, but substance and consistency last. Opportunities to connect with staff should be frequent and low-stakes; a staff volleyball match, Zoom quiz or meal has a broader appeal and can seem less daunting than a full-scale fancy dress party or event at a loud bar.

4. Alternatives to alcohol

Alcohol is an excellent social lubricant but doesn’t have to feature in every event - though it does help to replace it with a new way to encourage staff interactions, like team events.

5. Leave work behind

Frequently offering socials can also enable SLT to attend a few, but not all, events, striking a balance between giving staff the opportunity to know leaders better, whilst also avoiding turning events into an extension of the working day.

6. Always optional

There will always be people who hate forced fun. Avoid compulsory attendance, but make it as easy as possible for people to be there.

Provide plenty of notice and reminders, avoid school nights and arrange transportation straight from school if possible - “easy to get to, difficult to leave” is the mark of an excellent party. Though not literally… Exits should be clearly marked!

7. Open to all

Most importantly, ensure that everyone knows they are welcome. I once had to go home halfway through the school day as I was unwell. “You’re still coming to the staff drinks later though, right?” asked my deputy head, as I waited for my taxi to arrive.

I stared at him in disbelief. I couldn’t imagine anyone I’d worked with in the UK encouraging a staff member to attend a social after taking time off work.

I didn’t go, but that moment of consideration really stuck with me. After all, valuing staff socials means you value staff - which is really all teachers want and need from their schools.

Sarah Cullen is a freelance writer and former international teacher