Newsletters are, of course, one of the most important communication tools a school has with their parent community. These flyers take many forms and are considered gold by many a parent wanting to stay in touch with their school. Most school newsletters inform parents and the community about upcoming events, sports results, canteen rosters and uniform supplies. In many faith-based schools such as those of the Catholic Education Office, there will also be reference to the week's scripture and parish news.
A well-laid out newsletter is a fantastic communication tool when done right. It will usually reach current parents, unless it is found 10 weeks later at the bottom of the school bag squished up against a rotting black banana, and will most defintely reach the hands of prospective parents wanting to find out more about the daily and weekly routines of a school.
Unfortunately, newsletters, by there very nature, don't allow much space for delving deeper into some of the stories a school may wish to promote. Holy Innocents' Primary School Croydon has begun work to address this by publishing a quarterly newsletter which is still only two pages, that delves just that little bit deeper into stories, giving readers more of an insight into the school's programs, pedagogy, and teaching and learning. Queen Street News provides just that little bit more and although printed and distributed through traditional channels, schools with a limited budget may just want to think about solely publishing online and sharing the link through the regular newsletter or via social media.
