Contact and Communication

St Machar Academy

St Machar Drive

Aberdeen

AB24 3YZ

01224 492855

Email: stmacharacademy@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Website: www.st-macharacademy.aberdeen.sch.uk

Twitter: @stmacharacademy

Communication with Parents/Carers

It is essential that the school and home keep in close contact through all the years of a pupil's schooling so that parents are kept fully informed. The school and parents must work together in partnership to provide support for pupils so that they may fulfil their potential.

The school communicates with parents and carers in a variety of ways and so it is important that we hold up-to-date and accurate contact details for those we may need to contact. This is particularly important for Emergency Contact details should your child become ill or have an accident during the school day.

To inform the school of any changes to contact details please contact the school office.

Newsletters and Advice Notes

Newsletters and advice notes are emailed to parents to keep them informed of school news, developments and successes. Information letters, invitations and trip permissions are also issued to stages/classes/groups as appropriate via email. We ask that the school email address is saved as a contact to avoid communication being directed to a junk mail box: StMacharAcademy@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Groupcall Xpressions

Groupcall Xpressions is now the preferred parental communication tool used by Aberdeen City Council schools. Xpressions is a secure pin code messaging system that sends messages directly to the mobile phone/device of any parent/carer who has parental responsibility and has downloaded the app.

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.groupcall.emerge.parental

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/emerge-for-parents/id787308623?amp%3Bmt=8&ls=1

Parents and carers can also use the Xpressions app to send messages to report absence/lateness, request appointments or for other general communication with the school.

Parent information: https://parents.groupcall.com/how-does-xpressions-work/

Groupcall Text Messages

Groupcall text messages will be used in the event of an emergency or for attendance queries only.

School Website

The school's website features various detailed information that allows you to keep up to date with school information and events: https://st-macharacademy.aberdeen.sch.uk/ The homepage contains all the latest information including current parental requests, events upcoming in school and the latest communication letters.

Microsoft / Google Forms

Microsoft and Google forms are used to acquire permissions, request information, complete surveys or sign up to events although this is not an exhaustive list.

Parent's Evening Booking System

The Parent's Evening Booking System allow parents/carers to book appointments to attend parents evenings. These are currently held virtually however we also have GIRFEC evenings that are held in school for parents to attend.

Twitter

Twitter is used to promote St Machar Academy through sharing excellence, general school activities and promoting events: @stmacharacademy