We use three main communication methods with our families. These are MCAS (My Child at School), Facebook and Class Dojo. Below is an explanation of how each one is used:
Paper Free Communication
We try to use as little paper as possible for routine school communication. Previously, a considerable amount of staff time was spent printing, photocopying and sorting letters for every child — many of which were then left in trays, bags or even on the playground at the end of the day! Digital communication is quicker, more efficient and means families can access information wherever they are on their device. If you would like a paper copy of a letter, please get in touch with the office.
MCAS (My Child at School) – Essential School Communication
MCAS is our main and most important communication platform and all families should have access to it.
We use MCAS to:
- send letters, announcements and important whole-school information;
- arrange and provide information about school trips;
- book after-school clubs;
- make payments, including school dinners and Breakfast Club; and
- provide access to your child’s ‘record card’, including key contact information held by school.
One point raised through our consultation was that some families were not receiving a notification on their phone when an MCAS announcement had been sent. Please check that notifications are switched on both within MCAS and in your phone’s notification settings. Without these enabled, an important message may be waiting for you in the app without you realising.
If you do not currently have access to MCAS, or are experiencing any difficulties using it, please pop into the school office. Miss Price and Mrs Neary will be very happy to help you get set up or resolve any issues.
Facebook – Reminders and Updates
Our Facebook page is another useful way to keep up to date with school life. We use it to share reminders, important messages and copies of information that has already been
communicated through MCAS, alongside celebrating some of the brilliant things happening across school.
Facebook does not replace MCAS as our main communication platform, but it provides a useful additional reminder. Give us a follow by searching for South Kirkby Academy on Facebook.
Class Dojo – Direct Communication with your Child’s Teacher
ClassDojo is used for communication between individual teachers and their classes. Teachers may use Dojo to send class-specific information, an update on how your child’s day has been and reminders rather than whole-school communication.
You can also use ClassDojo to keep track of the Dojos your child earns throughout the school day and the reasons they have earned them, helping you to celebrate their successes at home.