Embedded Files
At ISH we strongly believe that open and continuous communication between school and home is one of the main factors in raising successful students. We have different channels of communication within each programme and throughout the school. Below you can read more about the methods of communication we use at the school, including the specifics of each programme.
School Platforms/Apps
In order to receive essential information from the school, parents must ensure that they have access to the platforms/apps listed below.
Whole School Platforms/Apps
OpenApply - used to communicate with new families and for re-enrollment
The ISH OpenApply Admissions Portal is used to send communications to new families until they get access to the Toddle Platform (primary school and middle school) or ManageBac. In addition, OpenApply is used for re-enrollment. You will receive a notification from OpenApply when re-enrollment has started. You can read more about re-enrollment at ISH here.
Primary School Platforms/Apps
Toddle - used for all essential home-school communication in the primary school
In the primary school, we use a digital portfolio and communications tool called Toddle.
Information:
The Toddle app gives you learning samples, reminders, class news, photos and videos, homework information and information about you child's current learning unit.
Important messages from the primary school principal and the school office, including the link to the weekly Friday School Newsletter, are sent via The Toddle App.
Accessing Toddle:
You can access Toddle on a laptop/computer, or download the Toddle Family App via the Play Store or App Store.
New families receive an email link to access their child's account, after enrolment.
Contact with teachers:
Parents can contact the teacher through Toddle Family Messaging or via email (all teacher email addresses are published here.)
Famly - used for all home school communication in the ASCP (After School Care Programme)
In the ASCP we use a platform called Famly for our home-school communication. The Famly app will give you access to an ASCP newsfeed with photos and videos from the after school care programme. Important messages from the ASCP will be sent to you via both Famly and Toddle. Once you sign up for ASCP, you will receive a login email from the Famly system.
Middle School Platforms/Apps
Toddle - used for all essential home-school communication in the middle school
In the middle school, we use a digital portfolio and communications tool called Toddle.
Information:
The Toddle app gives you learning samples, reminders, class news, photos and videos, homework information and information about your child's current learning unit.
Important messages from the primary and middle school principals and the school office, including the link to the weekly Friday School Newsletter, are sent via the Toddle app. The Friday School Newsletter is the main mode of regular communication between home and school.
Accessing Toddle:
You can access Toddle on a laptop/computer, or download the Toddle Family app via the Play Store or App Store.
New families receive an email link to access their child's account, after enrolment.
Contact with teachers:
Parents can contact the teacher through Toddle Family Messaging or via email (all teacher email addresses are published here.)
High School Platforms/Apps
ManageBac - used for all essential home-school communication in the high school
In the high school (MYP 5 and Diploma Programme), we use an online learning platform called ManageBac.
Information
ManageBac is an online learning platform for IB schools. It is used by parents, students and teachers to access and share academic information.
ManageBac enables parents to track their child’s academic progress and extracurricular activities. Parents can view student report cards, assignments, teacher comments, attendance, coursework, and other information related to their learning.
ManageBac orientations are held at the beginning of each school year.
If you have any questions regarding ManageBac, please contact Melissa Christensen (mchristensen@ish.dk).
Click here for more information about
Click here to view a Tutorial on how to submit attendance excusal on ManageBac.
Accessing ManageBac
ManageBac can be accessed from an internet browser or through an iPad/iPhone App (the App is for MYP students/parents only).
Soon after the school enrollment process you will receive an automatic email from the ManageBac system with your login and password details. You can then login, change your password, and start to access your child’s information.
Contact with teachers:
Parents should contact the high school teachers via email and not through Managebac (all teacher email addresses are published here.)
All students and parents have access to units and assessment tasks on Managebac. Parents are required to check Managebac on a regular basis. A parent can contact the teacher through Managebac or via email (all teacher email addresses are published here.)
SchoolsBuddy - used for online booking for Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences
Online booking for activities such as Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences (SPTC), educational pathway meetings, activities, trips and more are managed within the Schoolsbuddy platform. The platform is also being used to communicate within the ISH community. It has a simple appointment booking screen that makes it easy for parents to see available sessions. The booking interface eliminates double bookings at adjacent times and can be easily canceled with real time updates and it also sends email notifications.
CLICK HER TO SEE THE Tutorial on how to book an appointment using Schoolsbuddy
All messages received by parents through Schoolsbuddy are stored in their message center for reference. The emails sent by the school through Schoolsbuddy are NO-REPLY EMAILS which is a type of message that receivers cannot respond to as it will not be delivered to the school’s inbox. If parents or students would like to reply to the message, they are encouraged to send an email directly to the sender.
If you have any questions regarding Schoolsbuddy, please contact Melissa Christensen (mchristensen@ish.dk).
Weekly Parent Newsletter
Published weekly on Friday afternoons at 16:00, the ISH Family Newsletter brings parents important information, news, updates and stories from the International School of Hellerup. Parents and carers of current ISH students receive notification of the publication of a new edition via Toddle (primary school and middle school) or ManageBac (high school).
School Website
The school website offers a range of information regarding the school staff, academic programmes, extra-curricular activities, the calendar, events etc. The Parent Zone on the school website contains lots of useful information for families, including parent resources, school forms and resources.
Parent Information Evening and Teacher Consultations
Parent Information Meetings, Coffee Mornings and Evenings are ways to build a strong Home-School Partnership. They are held a couple of times during the year and advertised in the Weekly Middle School Newsletter.
Primary School Parent Information Meetings, Academic Meetings and Conferences
In the primary school, a Parent Information Meeting is held at the beginning of the school year. The purpose of the meeting is to provide parents with all the necessary information so they can support their kids in the best way possible. In primary school, Parent Consultations are an opportunity for parents to meet with the teacher individually to discuss their child’s progress in class.
Middle School Parent Information Meetings, Academic Meetings and Conferences
In the middle school, a Parent Welcome Evening Meeting is held within the first weeks of each school year. The purpose of the meeting is to foster relationship with the class advisor, elect a class parent for the PTA, provide parents with all necessary information on what to expect of the year and be introduced to subject teachers and our curriculum. In the first semester, Learning Conferences are opportunities for students to meet together with their parents and subject teachers about their individual progress in classes and to set goals, with guidance. In the second semester, we hold Student Led Conferences, an interview including parents and advisors where students reflect upon their year's achievements, challenges and goals. We close the year with a Learning Celebration, which allows students to consolidate their learning for the year.
Teachers check their emails daily. As teachers spend the day in the classroom, with students, or in meetings, please allow a reasonable time period to receive a response (e.g one to two days at most). Teachers are expected to return emails in a timely fashion. In addition to Toddle and Managebac (more information about these platforms will follow below in the programme specific information), parents and students are welcome to contact teachers directly through email. All teacher email addresses are published in the staff directory on the school website. In case of emergencies, contact the school reception.
Social Media
ISH has a number of social media accounts where we share stories about teaching and learning and where ISH students and parents can interact with each other and the school:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ish.dk.info/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ish.dk.info/
Communication Guidelines
At ISH, we believe that communication should reflect our values of international mindedness, align with our school vision, and embody the principles of the IB Learner Profile. This means communicating in a respectful and caring way, while appreciating diverse cultural perspectives.
For parents, this also includes speaking respectfully about your child’s classmates and their parents, as it helps create a positive and supportive class culture. We ask parents to promote a positive view of the school and its students.
We encourage everyone to follow the correct communication channels to ensure clarity and effectiveness, while maintaining a caring and respectful environment. If you have a concern, please follow these steps:
Start by having a conversation with the person you disagree with.
If the issue remains unresolved, contact the person’s leader.
If needed, escalate the issue to the Head of School.
If the matter is still unresolved, contact the Chairperson of the Board.
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