The Highland Council is providing all parent councils with a Gmail address to help establish a consistent approach to communication across parent councils in Highland.
Cllr John Finlayson, Chair of Education Committee said: "I am delighted we have managed to pull this together, as consistent partnership working and communication with parents is essential, as we work together to support the education of all our young people. A clear communication pathway that is used by all parent councils will support the already positive joint-working that takes place between the council, schools and parents and guardians."
Gmail addresses will be used for all communication between:
Parent Council Chairs and the wider parent forum
Parent Council Chairs and Head Teachers
Parent Council Chairs and Highland Council
Parent Council Chairs and the Highland Parent Council Partnership
In addition to this consistent approach to communication, each parent council will also have access to the suite of tools which come with a Highland Google account including Google Docs, Google Drive and Google Calendar. It is intended that these tools will be at the core of increased and improved parental engagement.
Nicky Grant, Executive Chief Officer Education and Learning said: "We are committed to working in close partnership with our parents and carers. By increasing parent councils accessibility to us, we are continuing our collaborative partnership between schools and the parent forum. This helps to provide opportunities for parents to be actively engaged in their child's learning and the life of the school."
Jason Hasson, Chair of the Highland Parent Council Partnership said: "Communication between schools, parent/s, and parent councils is vital in the current climate. With the launch of these new measures, this now allows a free flow of communication from The Highland Council to all parents through their individual school parent council and through the Highland parent council partnership."