Communication Channels Overview

We know that schools rely on a wide range of communication channels to keep parents informed, connected, and engaged, and we understand that this can feel overwhelming.

School communications are complex and require careful rules to support split families, court orders and other complex family situations. These rules are ultimately managed by our central Student Information System (SIS), which also underpins the operational framework for our entire School from fees and billing to student attendance, confidential notes, wellbeing support, academic performance and reporting, alumni data and so much more.

We have a major school-wide project underway to replace our current SIS platform (TASS) which families access via Parent Lounge.

TASS is no longer fit for purpose and is one of the main reasons that we require multiple channels. A new system will bring our information and communications together into a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. This is a significant change that will require careful planning, consultation, and implementation and will take time to ensure we get it right and support our staff, parents, students and alumni through the process.

Communications Clarity
In the meantime, we want to provide clarity around the channels we currently use and what each one is designed for and how it is used.

As part of our efforts to improve accessibility, we have also introduced this new Parent Hub website which is designed to replace all of the SWAYs and bring key information together in one place. This is an important step towards simplifying your experience while we work towards a more integrated solution.

CANVAS

  • Student access to learning resources (Years 5 – 12)
  • Parent access (Years 7 – 9)
  • Grades and Feedback
  • Campus/Subject/Class Daily Notices (student access & campus digital screens)
Canvas

PARENT LOUNGE (TASS)

  • Student Timetable (F – Year 12)
  • School Calendar
  • Student Absences
  • Email Class Teachers
  • Parent/Teacher Interview Bookings
  • Academic Reports
  • School Fees Account & Parent Code
  • Parent Details (e.g. update address)
  • Parent Directory (contact details for other parents in child’s class)
  • Access to school-related essentials such as booklists & photo forms
  • Invitations and special events
Parent Lounge

EMAIL (VIA TASS)

We utilise TASS to email families which ensures the correct contact rules apply for families. Information sent via email includes but is not limited to:

  • Class/Mentor comms
  • Faculty comms
  • Special groups (e.g. Chess group or sport team)
  • Important school information (e.g. Board/Principal)
  • Individual student-related comms
  • Event invitations and special activities (may also be sent via app)

MYMENTONE APP

  • Parent Lounge (TASS) interface (i.e. simply a window into TASS) that enables push notifications and easier access to Parent Lounge resources on mobile
  • Brings other systems into one place
    • Clipboard (sport & SMART)
    • Flexischools (lunch orders & café payments)
    • SPS (student analytics)
    • Payments (school website)
    • Guides & Forms
    • Uniform (Noone + P&F)
    • Sways (no longer available – replaced by Parent Hub)
  • Used for general year level/school messages, notices etc
    • NOTE: app comms cannot be targeted down to Class/Mentor/Faculty/Group level which is why these are still sent via email
MyMentone App

PARENT HUB WEBSITE

  • Repository for information to replace all SWAYs
  • Provides a central location/access for information housed on different platforms
  • Creates more consistency of information
  • Easier for parents with children across different campuses
  • Multiple access points, simple navigation and searchable so content is easier to find

CONSENT2GO (C2G)

  • Urgent replacement for Operoo (ceased operations in Australia)
  • Will only be used where a permission/approval is required
  • Essential for parents to approve student participation and provide up-to-date medical info
  • Ensures staff have easy access to medical info during activity
  • Activity details and documentation also provided with C2G where applicable
  • C2G system sends multiple emails on approvals/reminders (the School has no control over this)
  • On the C2G app – to view activity details once C2G completed or acceptance period expired – go to Update Response. This does not change your response unless you actively do so at the bottom of the C2G page.
    • NOTE: this is the way C2G is structured – the School has no control over this.
C2GUpdateResponse
Consent2Go