Howard State School values open and respectful communication with parents and carers. Respectful communication creates strong partnerships that are built on trust and a shared focus to support student learning. Respectful communication is essential to create a safe and supportive school environment. All enquiries, issues, matters or concerns are taken seriously.
The purpose of the communication policy is to establish clear expectations and processes for open, respectful and productive communication.
Communication expectations
Howard State School uses the Parent and Community Code of Conduct to guide parent and other visitor communications and conduct at the school.
There is an expectation that the school will provide timely and clear information to parents and carers. Parents and carers are expected to seek and access information that is provided by the school, and proactively communication with the school in relation to matters that impact their child's schooling.
School communication channels
The school provides targeted information and communication to students, parents, carers and the community through various channels, including:
- Weekly assemblies
- Howard State School facebook page
- School electronic sign
- Direct email to parents and carers (using the email address provided to the school)
- Notes and verbal messages
- QParents
QParents
QParents is a fast and easy way to stay connected with everything that is happening at Howard State School. Every parent and carer is strongly encouraged to access QParents.
For information regarding QParents, refer to the QParents page on our website.External link
Communication processes
Urgent matters, such as:
- change of pick-up plans for the end of the school day
- forgotten lunches or school equipment.
Call 4193 2333. Office hours are 8.00am to 3.00pm (please note that office staff may be attending to other matters, so leave a message). Phone messages are regularly checked throughout the day.
Non-urgent matters, such as:
- your child will be absent, providing the reason for the absence
- there are changes to your child's medical information or your contact details
- there are changes in family circumstances.
Enter absences via QParents, email the office (admin@howardss.eq.edu.au) or call 4193 2333 (leaving a message if the call is unanswered) or visit the office in person.
Complex or sensitive student matters, such as:
- you are concerned about your child's learning, social progress or wellbeing
- you notice safety issues or behaviour changes at home
- issues arise that may affect student and/or staff safety at school.
Email the appropriate teacher or staff member or call 4193 2333 and request a reply.
Parents should not expect:
- an immediate response to non-urgent matters – it may take a minimum of 2 or more business days
- staff to return calls or reply to emails outside standard business hours (including evenings and weekends)
- staff to discuss school matters when not at work (e.g. if you see a staff member outside of school hours in the community)
- meetings with staff during the school day without an appointment.
Contacting teachers
The teachers' priorities during the day are in the classroom. Teachers will reply to parents, as soon as practicable, to address any matters that are raised. Staff may require a few days to allow for the relevant information to be collected in preparation for a face-to-face meeting.
Contacting the principal
If you feel that a matter requires additional discussion or is complex or sensitive, email principal@howardss.eq.edu.au or call 4193 2333 and leave a message. The principal will reply via email, phone call or seek a suitable time for face-to-face meeting to address the matter.
Making a complaint
Howard State School appreciates and acknowledges that parents, carers, students and community members have a right to make a complaint. The complaints management process outlines how Howard State School will manage these complaints.
Social media
The Howard State School facebook page is used to share school information, events and celebrate student achievement. Enquiries or questions on the school's Facebook page will not be answered, all messages are to be directed to the school via email, phone call or in person.
The Howard State School Facebook page is managed in accordance with the Department of Education Acceptable Use Guidelines. These guidelines ensure individuals can contribute their opinions and views without being exposed to inappropriate content, offensive language or discriminatory views. When contributing, do not post any material that:
- is racist, hateful, defamatory, libellous, derogatory, threatening, harassing abusive, discriminatory or humiliating to another person or organisation
- vilifies individuals based on their religion, gender, race or sexuality
- falsely represents another individual, organisation, government or entity.