Northland School Board of Trustees

Communication Policy

Rationale:

Effective communication between the school and parents/caregivers supports the strong partnership between home and school.

Purpose:

• To promote open and effective communication between home and school.

Guidelines:

• All communication between parents/caregivers and the school regarding classroom activities and the day-to-day management of the school should be directed to the child's teacher, team leader or Principal.
• Teachers are readily accessible to parents/caregivers, and can always be contacted through the school office.
• Volunteer helpers will be clearly informed of their obligations in classrooms or on trips.
• The Student Council will provide a link between students, the board and staff.
• Policies will be available to the school community.
• Parents/caregivers will be kept informed about school plans, policies and programme guidelines through meetings, newsletters and the school website.
• Each teaching team will send a newsletter home to parents/caregivers at the beginning of each term. Additional curriculum and information sharing meetings will be held as required.
• Notice of upcoming board meetings will be included in the school newsletter. The agenda will be made available at least three days before each meeting. Minutes will be available to the school community.
• The board will publish an annual directory of student contact details for parents/caregivers.
• A school handbook containing information about school organisation and programmes will be issued on enrolment to parents/caregivers new to the school.
• The school will maintain a current website.
• A weekly school newsletter will give parents/caregivers details of school events and curriculum issues.
• The Board of Trustees will send out a monthly report to the school community, through the school newsletter.

Approved: 15 September 2009

Review Date: 2012