When you’re crafting shepherds’ outfits from paper towels and duct tape five minutes before curtain call, you know something got lost in translation
How many times have you seen this scenario in your school? There’s a school play tonight. Letters went out months ago, the poster’s been on the board for weeks, a reminder text was sent just last week. Yet five students have shown up in the wrong costume, one of them got the times wrong and now you’re crafting last-minute shepherd’s outfits out of paper towels and Sellotape.
Despite our best efforts, school communication often feels like shouting into the void. Memos are missed, messages misinterpreted and sometimes, despite a dozen reminders, a crucial detail just doesn’t land.
In today’s fast-paced world, families are bombarded with information from every direction. Between work emails, social media and school updates, even the most engaged parent can lose track. And let’s not forget the students who (intentionally or not) filter what gets passed on at home. It’s not always malicious. Some students might withhold information to avoid a tough conversation (“I forgot to give mum the detention slip”), while others might simply not see the point. You might be sending out texts and emails, but if parents are looking to their children for context about why this coursework accidentally ‘went missing’ or why that detention was handed out, they might only be getting half – or less – of the story.
Run Open Communication Surgeries
What they are: A weekly or fortnightly slot – either in person or virtual – where parents, carers, or students can drop in to clarify any confusing or missed messages.
Why it works: It creates a predictable, low-pressure way to ask questions and get clarity. It also helps reduce the bottleneck of last-minute panics or misunderstandings.
SBL Tip:
Use an online booking tool like Calendly or Microsoft Bookings to offer time slots, and promote it regularly through newsletters or the school app.
Help Students Understand the “Why”
Students don’t always realise that withholding information from parents creates more stress in the long run. Often, they associate school communication – like progress reports, detentions, or deadlines – with punishment.
Reframe it:
Create messaging that shows communication is part of their growth. Share stories in assemblies or tutor time about how taking responsibility can build trust and independence.
SBL Tip:
Partner with staff to build student-friendly guides (maybe even fun posters or videos) that explain the purpose behind school messages, deadlines and updates.
Make Communication Two Way
Many school communication tools operate in “broadcast mode”: we send out updates and hope they’re read. But real communication needs feedback. Set up easy, flexible ways for parents to respond or ask questions. More technologies don’t always mean better communication. If parents are juggling five logins to keep up, they’ll stop trying. Choose systems that integrate and simplify.
Options to consider:
- Two-way messaging apps (like ClassDojo, Edulink One, or Arbor)
- A communications diary section for primary students
- Dedicated email inboxes monitored by admin teams
- WhatsApp-style group chats for key year groups (monitored professionally)
SBL Tip:
Survey parents to find out which platforms work best for them. The easier you make it to respond, the more likely they are to engage.
So, next time you’re knee-deep in paper towels fashioning emergency angel wings, remember – great communication is about making sure the message lands and sticks. With a few tweaks, some two-way tools and a sprinkle of student engagement, you can reduce the misfires and maybe retire the last-minute costume department for good!
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