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Family Communication Protocol

In DSB1, we believe that open, respectful, and two-way communication builds strong partnerships and enhances student success. In alignment with the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Policy/Program Memorandum 170 (PPM 170), we are committed to providing transparent, timely, and accessible processes for handling parent and community inquiries.

Become involved in your child’s education

There are several ways to become involved in your child’s education.  These include:

  • Communicate with your child’s Teacher(s) and school Principal
  • Become involved in school activities or volunteer with the school
  • Join the School Council or Parent Involvement Committee

Know what your child is learning

You can keep up to date on what your child is learning in school and find resources to support them by:

For more details, we encourage families to review “Your Child’s Education: a parent guide to our school system”, a thorough resource created by the Ministry of Education.

 

Our Communication Platforms

To ensure you receive timely and secure updates regarding your child's education, DSB1 and our schools utilize the following primary communication channels:

SchoolMessenger

SchoolMessenger is the board and school-level mass notification system. This platform is used to broadcast important, time-sensitive updates directly to your preferred contact method (email, SMS text, or phone call), including:

  • System-wide announcements and board news.
  • School newsletters and principal updates.
  • Emergency notices 

SafeArrival (Student Attendance Management)

Student safety is our priority. DSB1 uses the SafeArrival platform to manage daily student attendance. Parents and guardians are asked to use SafeArrival to:

  • Report a student’s upcoming absence, late arrival, or early departure.
  • Respond to automated notifications if a student is marked absent without prior notice.

Board and School Websites

Notices and good news stories are shared on the DSB1 and each school websites.  We encourage families to visit these sites for news and important resources. 

Standards and Response Timelines

When you reach out to a classroom teacher, school administrator, or board office staff member, you can expect professional, timely communication adhering to provincial standards:

  • Inquiry Acknowledgement: Receipt of an email or phone inquiry will be acknowledged within two (2) business days. 
  • Resolution Timeline: We make every effort to address questions efficiently. If a complex inquiry requires further research and cannot be fully resolved within five (5) business days, staff will provide an interim update with an estimated response date. 

Framework for Resolving Concerns

Problem-solving works best when it begins closest to the issue, building mutual trust and collaboration between families and schools. If you have a specific question or challenge regarding your child’s learning or well-being, please follow this step-by-step pathway: 

  • Step 1 (Classroom Level): Connect directly with your child’s teacher. 
  • Step 2 (School Level): If the matter remains unresolved, contact the school Principal or Vice-Principal. 
  • Step 3 (Board Level): If a solution cannot be reached at the school, contact the school's Superintendent of Education. 
  • Step 4 (System Navigation): For highly complex, unresolved matters that have progressed through Steps 1–3, families may engage system-wide navigation supports. In accordance with Ministry directives, DSB1 is establishing a dedicated Student and Family Support Office launching in August 2026. Full details regarding this office, its tracking metrics, and direct contact options will be shared ahead of the 2026–2027 school year.

 

Expectations for Respectful and Productive Communications

In DSB1, we value respectful interactions with all members of the school community, including staff, students and family members.

The process and timelines outlined above will apply to respectful inquiries by family members. As per our Policy 2.1.6 and Procedure 2.1.6 (Code of Conduct), “all students, parents/guardians, teachers and staff members have the right to be safe, and to feel safe, included, and accepted, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to contribute to a positive school climate.”

Threatening, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate inquiries will not be tolerated. In such instances, the staff member will remind the family member of expectations as per Policy and Procedure 2.1.6 and provide the family member with the opportunity to reiterate their inquiry in a respectful manner.  Ongoing abusive or threatening inquiries may result in DSB1 taking further action to protect all members of the school community.