Contact Information + Communication Protocols

Helping all students reach their potential requires an effective working relationship between homes and schools with ongoing, two-way communication. However, situations may arise that cause concern. Here’s how to address a concern and how we can all work together.

 

Collaboration is Key

​​Obtain Information: Listen to your child: listen carefully to his or her views. Ask questions that will help you gather information. Begin your questions with ‘what’ or ‘how’. ‘Why’ questions can be intimidating and evoke defensive reactions. 
 
Make notes: Make notes of the information your child has provided, as these may be useful later.
 
Identify the concern: Talking with your child will help identify and clarify any problems. Do not assume or predict that there is a problem; determine how serious the concern is for your child.
 
Know the facts: After identifying the concern, it is important to get all the facts of a situation. Don’t jump to conclusions. While it is important to respect your child’s point of view, it is also important to seek all pertinent information before reaching a conclusion about the matter. 
 
Encourage independent problem solving: Resolving concerns independently is an important life skill that will benefit all children. Encourage your child to use strategies that may help them resolve ​a concern.
 

Plan: You may want to have some suggestions prepared to share when speaking with teachers or other staff. A solution will most likely emerge if a number of options are discussed. Listen to your child: listen carefully to his or her views. Ask questions that will help you gather information. Begin your questions with 'what' or 'how'. 'Why' questions can be intimidating and evoke defensive reactions. 

 

Who to Contact (and When)

Knowing who to contact, and when, is important to effectively deal with a concern. 
Contacting multiple people at multiple levels at the same time often leads to delays, confusion or misunderstanding. 

Step 1 Always contact your child’s teacher first. Most situations are resolved at this level. Throughout the school year, take advantage of opportunities to talk with your child’s teacher. Talking about a concern may be less awkward if you know the teacher first. 

Step 2 If your first discussion does not resolve the concern, try speaking with the teacher a second time.

Step 3 If this does not resolve the concern, contact the Principal or Vice-Principal.

Step If your discussion with the Principal or Vice-Principal does not resolve the concern, contact the Superintendent of Education for your child’s school.

Step 5 If the Superintendent of Education is unable to resolve a concern​, contact the Director of Education. You may also contact the Board Trustee who represents your area if a concern remains unresolved.

Communication Policy
For more information, see Policy B 5.1: Communication Policy

Timelines and Report Back

We will strive to ensure the acknowledgement of a parent inquiry within two business days, and make best efforts to provide an estimated date of response if a parent inquiry cannot be fully addressed within five business days of receipt.