What are some effective ways PACs can communicate with the Principal and Staff?
PRINCIPAL
- Being present at the school and developing a relationship with the principal and administrative staff. This becomes more difficult as children get older. As children get older, parents may not be able to be at the school daily.
- Find out how the principal prefers to communicate: by email, by phone, face-to-face Then use that method for dealing with PAC communications. Communication will likely be faster and more effective because the Principal will be responding in his/her preferred communication mode
- If communication is taking place outside of PAC meetings, try to ensure that communication is through a single PAC representative (the Chair generally) so you can avoid miscommunication and duplication.
- In person, scheduled meetings between the chairperson and principal
- Schedule time for the Executive to meet with the Principal before general PAC meetings. If there’s a major issue, have the Chair serve as the PAC’s spokesperson.
- For important issues, use email so there is communication is documented. It’s also beneficial to schedule ‘mini meetings’ for direct communication with the Principal
- When a large amount of detailed information is involved (e.g. dates, times, plans, etc.) it’s best to use written communication (email or printouts)
- plan for direct communication with the Principal during PAC meetings in your agenda
- If you need a quick answer between meetings, sometimes showing up at the Principal’s office for a direct conversation has worked. (knock on the door and get the answers you need)
- Through communication with the Principal at SPC meetings
STAFF
- Email and phone
- For communicating with staff, direct communication has been best
- Being present at the school and developing a relationship with the principal and administrative staff. This becomes more difficult as children get older. As children get older, parents may not be able to be at the school daily.
- Communicating with staff through the Principal has been successful
- When a large amount of detailed information is involved (e.g. dates, times, plans, etc.) it’s best to use written communication (email or printouts)
- copy your principal when decisions or actions have been agreed to so that your principal is kept in the loop