Communication Statement for Staff, Students, Parents and Stakeholders

Introduction

Everyone at LIVING SCHOOL (School) is committed to maintaining open, transparent and consistent communication with our students, parents, staff and the wider community. Effective communication fosters understanding, involvement, support, and student agency, while ensuring that all stakeholders are informed of important school matters.

The purpose of the School’s Communication Policy is to make you aware of:

• the formal and informal communication processes used by the School;

• the responsibilities of staff in engaging with stakeholders; and

• the procedures for managing meetings, reports, and electronic communication.

Who does this statement apply to?

This statement applies to:

• all employees, contractors and volunteers engaged by the School;

• all students and parents/carers; and

• any stakeholders or community members engaging with the School.

It applies to all communication:

• relating to school operations, events, and academic progress;

• conducted in person, via phone, email, newsletters or digital platforms; and

• across formal channels (such as reports and policies) and informal interactions.

1. Formal Communication

LIVING SCHOOL will provide stakeholders with clear, scheduled, and consistent communication through:

• Annual academic and financial reporting;

• Publication of all policies and procedures;

• Communication of school goals and strategic plans;

• Parent/Teacher/Student meetings;

• Two academic reports per year;

• A regular electronic newsletter to all families;

• A parent portal with blog access through the SmartSchool system;

• Social media updates via the School’s official Instagram and Facebook accounts;

• Enrolment information communicated through Open Days; and

• A semesterly showcase concert highlighting Creative Arts achievements.

2. Informal Communication

Informal communication is available to support day-to-day engagement between families and the School. This includes:

• Teacher interviews upon request;

• Email communication via the School Office;

• Phone calls via the School Office.

Note:

Teachers will not access emails during learning times unless the communication relates directly to a student’s work or course of study.

3. Community Engagement

• Stakeholder Review Surveys are conducted annually for teachers, students and parents/carers to assess strengths and identify areas for improvement.

• Survey findings are published in the School Newsletter and on the School Website to ensure transparency.

4. Procedures and Responsibilities

Operations Manager, Business Manager and Conductor (Principal):

• Compile and submit the Annual Report to NESA.

Digital Platform Manager and Conductor:

• Update the School Website with current policies, newsletters and information.

Teachers:

• Conduct formal three-way interviews with parents and students at the beginning and/or conclusion of each semester.

• Offer three interview times per week to the School Secretary for parent bookings.

• Are available for additional interviews by appointment through the School Secretary.

School Secretary:

• Manages the booking of all teacher interviews to ensure they occur during allocated times.

5. Email Management

• Group email accounts are used for communication with relevant parent groups.

• Individual teacher email addresses are provided at the start of each year.

• In cases of emergency, parents/carers may communicate directly with teachers.

Review: January 2027