Communication is Key
A phrase in which we are all familiar, and all too true. Hume Anglican Grammar goes to great lengths to communicate with families, we give it constant thought and wish to have in place the best model for school to home communication.
This is not always a simple thing. People have preferences to the way they would like to hear from us. It varies hugely and we know that not everyone can be pleased. Some parents would like to receive constant communication in small bite-sized snippets, others prefer bulletins covering a broad range of topics at a predetermined time - and anything in between. This is ever changing, as preferences evolve with times, trends and technology; so, what was desirable a year ago may not be anymore.
Like with all things, the School constantly evaluates and reviews processes, and in recent months has been studying the model of Hume communicating with families. At present, we have three formal means of communication directed to homes. These are:
- the School Newsletter sent fortnightly on a Thursday afternoon on even week numbers
- the Campus Bulletins sent fortnightly on a Thursday afternoon on odd week numbers
- the Principal’s Community Bulletin sent on the week prior to the return to school from school holidays
Another even more broad communication is through social media; namely, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter which are published in the public domain and have an audience beyond the immediate Hume community. In addition to these general broadcasts there targeted Ed Smart notices sent to year-levels, classes, sub-schools, etc with information of a particular topic specific to a group or year level.
I hope you also have caught the new biennial publication of ‘The Quill’, and of course the annual School Yearbook currently in production, each providing exciting current affairs items and a rich portrayal of school-life.
As you can see the information coming from the School to your home is extensive and constant, and I think fair to say can also be overwhelming. Striking a balance in providing the right information at the right time is challenging and with the busyness of family life, we are mindful of achieving the best means to communicate.
With this in mind, the review so far has informed us that there needs to be changes to both the modes and the frequency of communication. I would like to invite families to offer their comments and suggestions to the formal school to home broadcasts. We would like to hear from you your preferences and any recommendations you may have.
Please send your feedback to: community@humegrammar.vic.edu.au. We look forward to hearing from you.