As a parent

My child’s education and well-being are my top priority as a parent. I want to ensure that my child receives the best possible education, which means staying informed about their academic progress and school activities. I need to feel connected to the school community and be involved in my child’s education.

As a principal

I recognize that parents have high expectations for their children’s education and well-being. It’s important for me to ensure that parents are well-informed about their child’s academic progress and school activities. By keeping parents engaged and connected to the school community, we can work together to support their child’s success.

We understand that parents play a critical role in their child’s education, and their involvement can significantly impact their child’s academic and social-emotional development. Therefore, we prioritize effective communication with parents and provide opportunities for engagement.

Understanding the Importance of School Communication with Parents

Effective communication between schools and parents is critical for the success of  students in and out side of the school. When parents are well-informed and engaged, they can work more effectively with the school to support their children’s social, emotional, and academic progress. Additionally, schools benefit from regular communication with parents as it helps to identify and address issues that may impact student learning.

Benefits of Good School Communication with Parents

• Improved academic performance:
• Teachers can share information about academic expectations and goals with parents, and work collaboratively to support student learning. This can include sharing resources and strategies for parents to help their child at home, and providing feedback to parents about their child’s progress.
• Schools can also provide parents with access to online resources and tools, such as student progress reports and academic calendars, to keep them informed about their child’s academic performance.
• Increased attendance:
• Schools can use various communication channels to inform parents about important school events and deadlines, such as parent-teacher conferences, field trips, and school holidays. This can help parents plan accordingly and ensure their child attends school regularly.
• Schools can also use communication to provide parents with updates on their child’s attendance record and any patterns of absences, which can help identify and address any underlying issues that may be impacting attendance.
• Better behaviour:
• Schools can work with parents to establish clear behaviour expectations and consequences and communicate these expectations consistently. This can help create a shared understanding between parents, teachers, and students about what is expected of them.
• Teachers can use communication to share information about their classroom management strategies and collaborate with parents to reinforce positive actions and address any challenges that may arise.
• Positive school culture:
• Schools can foster a positive school culture by creating opportunities for parents to get involved in school activities and events. This can include inviting parents to volunteer in the classroom, participate in parent-teacher organizations, and attend school performances and celebrations.
• Schools can also use communication to share information about school initiatives and successes with parents, and seek feedback from parents on how to improve school culture and student learning experiences.

How to Improve School Communication with Parents

Use Multiple Channels of Communication

To effectively communicate with parents, it’s important to recognize that they may have different preferences when it comes to communication channels. Therefore, offering multiple channels of communication can be beneficial to ensure that parents can stay informed and engaged. Here are some examples of how to use multiple channels of communication:

• Email/Managebac/ Seesaw: Many parents prefer digital text to communicate. It’s a quick and easy way to convey important information; parents can read and respond to messages at their convenience. Teachers can send weekly newsletters, updates on classroom activities, and homework assignments through these communication platforms.
• Phone calls: Some parents prefer to communicate over the phone. This can be especially helpful for discussing sensitive topics or addressing concerns. Teachers can set up a specific time for phone calls, or make themselves available during designated office hours.
• In-person meetings: For some parents, in-person meetings may be the preferred method of communication. This can be an opportunity to discuss student progress, share feedback, and brainstorm ideas. Teachers can offer parent-teacher conferences or set up individual meetings with parents as needed.
• Class websites: Many teachers use class websites or online platforms to communicate with parents. These platforms can provide parents with access to important information, such as classroom schedules, assignments, and announcements.
• Social media: Social media can be an effective tool for communication, especially for sharing updates and highlights from the classroom. Teachers can create a classroom Facebook group, for example, where parents can interact and stay informed.
• Parent information sessions/ open classes: These sessions are an essential aspect of school communication, as they provide parents with important information about their child’s education, school policies, and events. These sessions typically take place during the school year and are designed to keep parents informed and engaged in their child’s education.

By offering multiple channels of communication, schools/teachers can ensure that all parents are able to stay informed and engaged in their child’s education. 

Clear and Concise

When communicating with parents, it’s essential to be clear and concise. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be confusing to parents. Instead, use simple language and provide clear instructions.

Provide Regular Updates

Regular updates are crucial for keeping parents informed about their child’s academic progress and school activities. Provide regular progress reports, newsletters, notes on their child’s positive actions, and announcements to keep parents up-to-date. This helps you build a strong relationship with the family.  If your first communication with parents is bad news, you will have an unhappy parent on your hands.

Encourage Parent Involvement

Encouraging parent involvement is an effective way to improve school communication with parents. Schools can offer a variety of opportunities to engage parents in the school community, such as:

Volunteer opportunities: Parents can volunteer in the classroom, library, or events. This can provide parents with a firsthand look at their child’s learning environment and help them understand the school’s culture and goals. Additionally, parents can learn about other parents in the school community and make connections with the local community.

Parent-teacher conferences: Conferences can allow parents to meet with teachers and discuss their child’s academic progress, behaviour, and any concerns they may have. This can help parents stay informed and involved in their child’s education and help teachers better understand their students’ needs.

Other events: Schools can offer various events that encourage parent involvement, such as back-to-school nights, parent education workshops, and school performances. These events can create a sense of community and provide opportunities for parents to interact with teachers and other school staff.

By encouraging parent involvement, schools can create a more collaborative relationship with parents and foster a positive school culture. This can also improve school communication with parents by providing more information exchange and feedback opportunities.

Conclusion

Effective communication between schools and parents is crucial for ensuring student success. Schools can enhance communication with parents by utilizing multiple channels of communication, providing regular updates, being clear and concise, and encouraging parent involvement. This creates a positive school culture that supports student learning and development, and also strengthens the school community. I start the beginning of each school year telling my teachers to make sure they build strong relationships with the students family.

As a parent, staying informed and engaged in your child’s education helps foster a collaborative relationship with the school. It also helps you understand the school’s policies and procedures, which enables you to better support your child’s learning at home. Being an active member of the school community through volunteer opportunities and attending information sessions helps you feel more connected to the school, and allows you to support the school during times of need, such as fundraisers, school events, or emergencies.

By working together, schools and parents can create a supportive and positive environment that enhances student learning and success. Regular communication and engagement help parents feel more involved and invested in their child’s education, which can lead to better academic outcomes and overall well-being.