Communications

Communications Policy

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Rationale

ÍâÍøÁÔÆæ is committed to using communication processes and approaches that build positive relationshipsÌýand partnerships with everyone involved in the education and well-being of our students, and the operation and management of the school.

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Whole School Communication to the Community

  • School Newsletters are posted on CONNECT and on the school website in Weeks 3 and 8 of each Term. A hard copy is available on request to the front office.
  • Term Planners are included in each newsletter, in the Library of CONNECT, and on the school website.
  • Information about special events will depend on the nature of the event:
    • Carnivals – newsletters, website, and CONNECT
    • Special days/weeks – newsletters, website, and CONNECT
    • P&C special events – P&C Facebook, CONNECT, newsletter
    • Excursions – from the front office direct via QKR
    • Incursions – email and CONNECT
  • School website
  • School email
  • Urgent information may be delivered via Text messaging.
  • School Business Plan is sent to all families and provides detailed information about the school’s priority focus areas over the next three-year period in the domains of Teaching, Learning, Relationships, Leadership, Learning Environment, and Resources.
  • The Annual Report is sent to all parents and is available on the school’s website as well as the Department of Education website, Schools Online section.
  • Assemblies are held most weeks. Information and an invitation to attend are sent to host class parents.

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Class Communication with Parents and Carers

  • Parent/Teacher class meetings are held early in Term 1. Explanation of whole school and classroom policies and practices.
  • IAP meetings will occur once per term to review goals and provide teacher/parent feedback.
  • Weekly whole class update on CONNECT.
  • Weekly parent update on Values.
  • Individual communication as required.
  • Parent/Teacher meetings – Term 2 Week 2.

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Parent Teacher Meetings

  • Time must be allocated for all meetings in which the teacher is expected to provide feedback or discuss the progress and achievement of a student.
  • Parent Teacher Interview forms are used to document key points covered in the meeting. Both parties sign and date.
  • It is expected that all meetings will be conducted in an environment of mutual respect.

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Online Parent-Teacher Communication

  • The use of CONNECT facilitates direct communication between teacher/s and parents.
  • Respect for a teacher’s working day/s and hours needs to be considered.
    • Note that emails sent after 5.00 pm will not be answered by teachers in the evening. Likewise, emails sent by teachers to parents will respect this time.
    • A response time of 48 hours should be allowed for a reply. If the matter is urgent, please call the school (T: 9324 0700) Ìý

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Communication Intra-School (Internal policy section)

  • At all times and in all formats, both written and verbal communication will be mutually respectful and professional.
  • All staff are responsible for communicating information that others may depend on for the smooth running of their classrooms and the school.
  • A Weekly Memo will inform staff of events and information related to the upcoming week. All staff have access to input information in the memo.
  • Email is the primary source for disseminating information and staff are requested to check email regularly.
  • Urgent information will be delivered via the PA system, face-to-face or via email whichever is the best medium at the time.
  • Should teachers require the support of Administration at parent meetings, a discussion prior to the meeting will determine the role of Administration and the agenda for the meeting. Administration are always available for support in this context. It may be appropriate that some meetings with parents are held in the office meeting room as opposed to the classroom.
  • Documentation of all parent meetings (summary of key items discussed) will be signed by both teacher and parent/s.
  • Collaborative staff meetings – common DOTT is timetabled to allow teachers of the same year level to meet for planning, programming and assessment purposes. Group norms for effective communication at such meetings will be a commitment of all staff.
  • Problem-solving will occur within an open discussion context focused on a solution. Ìý

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Resolving Problems

  • In the first instance, the classroom teacher should be the first line of communication for parent concerns relating to students in the classroom.
  • All concerns will be addressed in a timely manner, according to Communication Protocols.
  • Depending on the nature of the concern, classroom teachers and parents will be supported by Administration if required.
  • A mindset of working towards a solution will more likely achieve positive outcomes and build relationships.
  • For complex challenges, referral to outside agencies for support may be required. This process should be managed by Student Services Deputy Principal.

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