We understand that parent/ caregiver engagement goes hand in hand with student wellbeing and success and productive communication with parents/ caregivers is an essential feature of a positive school culture.

Digital technologies have greatly assisted in this regard and the use of parent/ caregiver information apps, social media (for general school information), school website, SEQTA and the use of email communication directly with staff is now routine.

We appreciate that parent/ caregiver expectations as to staff accessibility have evolved in the context of enhanced digital communication practices. While representing efficient modes of communication, the breadth of digital communication options can create ‘availability creep’ where school employees become more accessible in locations and at times of the day, weekends and during periods of leave when they should be able to disconnect from work. Indeed, recent laws have taken effect which provide school employees a right to disconnect.

In the interests of respecting the rights of our staff and recognising the importance of facilitating and promoting healthy communication, we are introducing the following as standard protocol during term time:

- Noting our staff spend a significant amount of their workday focussing on teaching or other activities applicable to their roles, staff will endeavour to respond to parent/ caregiver communications requesting a response within 48 hours, noting staff will discern whether an urgent matter requires a shorter response timeframe; and

- Parents/ caregivers are encouraged to contact the school front office in the first instance for general information.

We ask that parents and caregivers be mindful and supportive of the above. Thank you for your understanding.