Main Methods of Parent-Teacher Communication In Canada
We provide guidance and resources to help Afro-Canadian parents navigate education and foster social inclusion for their children.
9/6/20264 min read
Main Methods of Parent-Teacher Communication
1. Email
Email is one of the main ways schools communicate with parents.
It may be used to discuss:
Absences;
Homework;
Behaviour;
The child’s progress;
School activities;
Situations requiring follow-up.
Advice for parents
Check your email regularly, ideally at least once a day on school days.
Example of an email
Hello Ms. Anne,
I would like to know how my son is doing with his reading this week.
Thank you for your support.
Kind regards,
Mrs. Ngalah
Remember: Be polite, clear, and brief.
2. School Apps and Online Platforms
In Alberta and elsewhere in Canada, schools may use different digital platforms depending on the school or school board.
For example:
School Zone;
PowerSchool;
Google Classroom;
Seesaw;
Remind;
Brightspace.
Moodle
Edsby
These platforms may allow parents to see:
homework;
assignments;
grades or assessments;
teacher comments;
school announcements;
information about school activities.
Very important
Ask the school to help you install the application or provide the information you need to access your account.
Some schools provide a username and password, while others use a different login system.
If, about one week after the beginning of the school year, you have not received information about the platform used by your child’s school, contact your child’s teacher or the school office.
Advice
Check the platform where your child’s homework is posted regularly.
Some schools post homework for one week, while others may post assignments for two weeks or longer.
3. Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are an excellent opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and well-being.
The number and timing of conferences may vary from one school to another.
Before the meeting
Prepare your questions.
Talk to your child.
Write down any concerns you would like to discuss.
Bring important information that may help the teacher better understand your child.
Useful questions
You can ask:
Does my child participate in class?
What are my child’s strengths?
What difficulties have you noticed?
How does my child interact with other students?
How can I support my child at home?
What can we do together to improve my child’s learning?
A common mistake to avoid
❌ Coming only to defend your child.
A better approach
✅ Come to understand, listen, and collaborate.
The goal is not to determine who is right or wrong. The goal is to find the best solution for the child.
4. Phone Calls
A teacher may contact a parent by phone regarding:
An urgent situation;
An injury or health concern at school;
A conflict;
Concerning behaviour;
An academic difficulty;
or sometimes simply to share good news.
If you have difficulty understanding English
You can say:
“Could you please speak slowly?”
“Could you please repeat that?”
“Can I have an interpreter?”
Depending on the school and situation, interpretation services may be available. Do not hesitate to ask what language support is offered.
5. Agenda or Communication Book
Especially in elementary school, some schools or teachers may use an agenda, communication book, or another tracking tool.
The teacher may use it for:
Homework;
Reminders;
Behaviour observations;
Important information;
Requests for signatures.
Parents should also check this tool regularly when it is used by the school.
6. Report Cards and Progress Reports
Report cards and progress reports help parents follow their child’s development.
They may provide information about:
Learning;
Academic achievement;
Skills;
Independence;
Collaboration;
Participation;
Organization;
Responsibility.
Remember
A report card is not always only about grades.
It may also provide a broader picture of the child’s learning and development.
7. School Newsletters and School Websites
Some schools also communicate with parents through:
Newsletters;
The school website;
School calendars;
School board messages;
Digital platforms.
Advice
Check the school website and school communications regularly for important information, school activities, important dates, and extracurricular activities.
8. Communication About Learning
Communication practices may vary from one school to another.
Some schools may provide learning information:
Weekly;
Every two weeks;
Monthly;
or at specific times during the school year.
Some schools may also send a weekly or monthly learning plan.
Very important
Ask your child’s teacher:
“How often will I receive information about my child’s learning and progress?”
Knowing the expected communication schedule will help you follow your child’s progress and organize support at home.
Important Cultural Differences
Communication practices may be different depending on the country and culture.
In some school cultures
Parents may wait for the school to call if there is a problem.
The teacher may be viewed as the main authority.
Communication may mainly happen when there is a problem.
Communication may be very formal.
In Canada
Parents can contact the school when they have a question or concern.
Parents and teachers are generally encouraged to collaborate.
Communication can address challenges as well as progress and successes.
Communication can be regular, respectful, and collaborative.
Important: Practices can vary depending on the school, school board, grade level, and individual situation.
When Should You Contact the Teacher?
Contact the school promptly if:
Your child is experiencing bullying;
Your child regularly refuses to go to school;
Your child’s grades suddenly decline;
You notice a significant change in your child’s behaviour;
Your child appears very worried, sad, or isolated;
There is an important family change that may affect your child;
You have a concern about your child’s safety or well-being.
You may wait for a regular meeting when:
The question is minor;
You simply want a general update;
You need a simple clarification.
For an urgent situation or a safety concern, do not wait for the next parent-teacher conference. Contact the school promptly.
Example Scenario: The Child Is No Longer Completing Homework
❌ Poor Communication
Parent:
“Why aren't you controlling my child?”
Teacher:
“He needs to be more responsible.”
This approach may create conflict and does not necessarily provide a solution.
✅ Good Communication
Parent:
“I have noticed that my child is having difficulty completing homework. Have you noticed the same thing at school?”
Teacher:
“Yes. We can work together to develop a plan.”
Result
Collaboration → Understanding → Action Plan → Follow-Up
The 3 Cs for Parents
1. Calm
Avoid writing or calling when you are angry.
Take time to understand the situation before responding.
2. Clear
Explain the concern using specific facts.
Avoid accusations and generalizations.
3. Collaborative
Look for a solution with the teacher and school.
Ask:
“What can we do together to help my child?”
What Teachers Often Appreciate
Teachers generally appreciate parents who:
Respond to important messages;
Ask respectful questions;
Support learning routines at home;
Inform the school about important difficulties;
Participate in parent-teacher meetings;
Recognize their child’s efforts and progress;
Look for solutions rather than someone to blame.
Conclusion
In Canada, communicating with your child’s teacher does not necessarily mean that your child has a problem.
It is a sign of parental engagement.
When the school and family work together, the child receives an important message:
“We believe in you, and we want you to succeed.”
A parent who communicates regularly with the teacher does not lose their authority.
Instead, the parent becomes an active partner in their child’s education and success.
Remember
Get informed. Ask questions. Communicate. Listen. Collaborate. Follow up.
A child’s success is a shared responsibility between the family, the school, and the community.