10989 Student Handbook 06 - ACS International Schools

Email Etiquette
Email is being used more and more frequently between parents and also between parents
and the school. As a general rule, when sending an email to a large group of people, please
try and use the blind copy “bcc” function.
In addition, the school asks designated homeroom parents to create email groups for each
homeroom. Designated divisional parent liaisons can then send PTSA information to room
parents, who can then cascade the information to all parents. This email cascade system
may only be used for PTSA business or for other information authorised by ACS Hillingdon.
Divisional liaisons and principals must work closely together to ensure that information is
accurate before it is cascaded. All PTSA e-mails sent through the cascade should be copied
to divisional principals.
School Website
The school’s website address is http://www.acs-schools.com It has a password-protected
section at https://hill-forum.acs-schools.com/ and all ACS Hillingdon parents will receive
this password at the beginning of the school year. Parents are strongly encouraged to
access this site on a regular basis. Amongst other resources it contains library catalogues,
galleries, field trip information, details of our curriculum, and the school newsletters from
the administrative team.
Lines of Communication - How to Address Concerns
If a student is unable to resolve a misunderstanding or problem with a teacher, sports
coach, bus driver, etc., the parent should first contact that person. The best course of
action is to go directly to the person involved. The school secretaries can assist in setting
up appointments. Another effective way to communicate is via e-mail. Most of the time
questions/concerns are resolved, but if further discussion is necessary, parents are
welcome to make an appointment with the divisional principal. The head of school may
also be consulted if the lines of communication have been followed and the issue is still
unresolved. Meetings with the head of school will include all involved as a team to discuss
the issue before a decision is reached. Our goal is to promote open communication and a
positive climate in our school.
Complaints Procedure
At ACS we recognise the importance of regular interaction between faculty and parents so
that student learning and development can be supported consistently. In the circumstance
that parents have a complaint, the school, including Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS),
will treat it in accordance with its procedure. ACS will maintain a written record of all
complaints and of whether they are resolved at the preliminary stage or proceed to a
panel hearing.
1. Informal Resolution
a. It is hoped that most complaints and concerns will be resolved quickly and
informally.
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