Carysfort National School

Communication

1. Introduction

At Carysfort N.S., we place strong emphasis on openness, collaboration, and mutual respect between all members of our school community – pupils, staff, school management, Parents/Guardians, the Parents’ Association, the Board of Management and the wider community.

We believe that effective communication is essential to building a positive learning environment where every child can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. This policy sets out how communication takes place within our school and the expectations that guide these interactions.

2. Communication with Parents/Guardians

Carysfort N.S. recognises the central role of Parents/Guardians in their child’s education. The home and school working together in partnership is vital for the development and happiness of each child.

2.1 School Website
The school website provides essential information including policies, calendar dates, newsletters, and announcements. It is regularly updated.

2.2 Welcome Information for New Families
Parents/Guardians of new pupils receive a Welcome Booklet, including key policies and day-to-day practical information.

2.3 Junior Infant Induction
Meetings for Parents/Guardians of incoming Junior Infants are held each year to support transition, introduce staff, and answer questions. Children are also invited to visit the school prior to starting.

2.4 Beginning of Year Meetings
At the start of each academic year, class teachers hold meetings to outline curriculum plans, routines, and expectations for the year ahead.

2.5 School Calendar
The school calendar is issued and, shared via the school website and Aladdin Connect, and updated if needed throughout the year.

2.6 Parent/Teacher Meetings
Formal meetings are held annually in November to review each child’s progress. Parents/Guardians select times through Aladdin Connect.

2.7 Individual Classroom Support/School Support Meetings
For pupils with additional needs, meetings are arranged between Parents/Guardians, the class teacher, and the Special Education Teacher to review progress and update targets.

2.8 Communication Apps
Carysfort N.S. uses Aladdin Connect for attendance, reports, messages, and notices.

2.9 Annual Reports
Written reports on each pupil’s progress are issued in June via Aladdin Connect.

2.10 Absence Notification
Parents/Guardians are required to notify the school of any absence, late arrival or early departure. This should be done via Aladdin Connect. This is in keeping with the schools attendance strategy and national guidelines.

2.11 General Communication

Updates and reminders are shared through:
– Aladdin text and app notifications.

-Email
– Website and newsletters.
– Phone calls or letters for specific matters.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to check schoolbags and online platforms regularly.

2.12 Complaints Procedure
Concerns should first be raised with the class teacher. If not resolved, the issue may be referred to the Principal.

3. Staff Communication

Open, respectful and efficient communication among staff supports the smooth running of the school.

3.1 Leadership Communication
The Principal, Deputy Principal, and Assistant Principals meet regularly to review planning, school priorities and decision-making.

3.2 Staff Meetings
Whole-staff meetings and special interest team meetings are scheduled throughout the year. These ensure updates, discussion of initiatives, and staff input into planning.

3.3 Day-to-Day Communication
Day-to-day information is shared on the Aladdin staff notice board and via email.

3.4 Staff Collaboration
Teachers collaborate within class levels and across subject areas. Special Education teams, class teachers and SNAs work closely together to support pupils.

3.5 Communication with Pupils
All interactions between staff and pupils are based on respect, encouragement and clarity. Communication is always school-related and takes place during school hours or official school activities.

4. Communication with the Wider School Community

4.1 Board of Management
The Board of Management meets regularly and communicates decisions through agreed reports.

4.2 Parents’ Association
The Parents’ Association supports the partnership between home and school. It organises events, liaises with staff and the Board, and encourages parent involvement. The Parents’ Association holds an AGM each year where officers are elected and the year’s work is reviewed.

4.3 Community Involvement
Carysfort N.S. values links with local organisations, parish and community groups. Members of the community are invited to school events and support is welcomed for activities that enhance the educational experience of our pupils.

5. Expectations for Communication

Positive and respectful communication underpins everything we do. This applies to staff, parents, pupils and the wider community.

– All communication, verbal, written or online, must be respectful in tone and content.
– Concerns about pupils must be addressed through teachers, not directly with children , the Parents Association or other parents.
– Meetings should be scheduled in advance and within school hours unless urgent.
– Classroom teaching time should not be disrupted unnecessarily.
– Staff will discuss only their own pupils with Parents/Guardians.
– Social media and online platforms must be used responsibly and not to defame, criticise or undermine members of the school community.

Adults are expected to model the respectful behaviour we wish to see in our pupils.