The Kenora Catholic District School Board (KCDSB) is committed to transparent, timely, and effective communication with students, families, staff, and the broader community. Our Communications Plan and Standards establish a framework for how information is shared across the Board, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed, engaged, and supported in alignment with our strategic goals and mission of excellence in Catholic education.
This plan provides a general overview of communication standards, outlining the tools, protocols, and best practices that guide interactions between the Board, schools, families, and the wider community. By fostering open and accessible communication across multiple channels, KCDSB aims to enhance engagement and transparency, ensuring that families and stakeholders receive timely and relevant information.
Communication Principles
Timely and Proactive: Information is shared promptly and proactively to keep stakeholders informed.
Consistent and Clear: Messages are clear, accessible, and aligned with KCDSB values.
Inclusive and Welcoming: Communications are respectful, inclusive, and mindful of diverse audiences.
Multi-Channel Approach: A variety of communication tools are used to ensure broad reach and accessibility.
Plain Language Approach: Communications use clear, straightforward language that avoids education-specific jargon, complex terms, and unnecessary acronyms to ensure messages are easily understood by all stakeholders.
Communication Tools Overview
KCDSB utilizes a variety of communication tools to ensure timely and effective communication with students, families, and staff. These tools are strategically used based on the nature and urgency of the message and are integrated to work seamlessly together, ensuring a cohesive and accessible communication experience.
SchoolMessenger – The primary tool for direct communication with families via email, voicemails, text messages, and push notifications. Families must
opt-in to receive text messages. This system ensures families receive important updates, reminders, and emergency notifications.
KCDSB App – A custom app designed specifically for the Kenora Catholic District School Board, the
KCDSB App supports the needs of modern families by providing quick and easy access to key information, school calendars, upcoming events, and push notifications for urgent updates. Families can stay connected and receive important information right in the palm of their hand. The app is available for download in the App Store and Google Play. To receive notifications, families must download the app.
Websites – The central hub for Board-wide and school-specific information, including procedures, policies, program details, event updates, and news. Communications sent to families centrally are also posted publicly in an
annual communications log for transparency.
Social Media (Facebook, YouTube and Instagram) – Used to celebrate student achievements, highlight school events, and engage with the broader KCDSB community.
Board Meeting Reports, School Council Meetings, and Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) Meetings – The Board holds monthly meetings where key information and reports are shared. Additionally, School Council, CPIC, and other advisory meetings serve as important platforms for discussing school-related matters and engaging with families and community stakeholders.
Director’s Annual Report – Highlights key accomplishments and achievements across the Board, showcasing successes and initiatives that align with KCDSB’s mission and strategic goals.
Community Forums, Local Event Listings, and Paid Radio Advertisements – To reach a wider audience, KCDSB promotes opportunities available to the broader community through Facebook Bulletins in Kenora and Red Lake, Upcoming Events on 89.5 The Lake and CKDR, and the City of Kenora Upcoming Events calendar. Paid radio advertisements are used sparingly for specific campaigns or initiatives requiring broader community awareness.
Traditional Media (Press Releases and Interviews) – Used to provide significant board-wide updates, community engagement, and official communications through media outlets.
Print Materials and Home Notes – Used sparingly for specific purposes such as Registration Packages, program promotion, and targeted communications when digital methods are not sufficient.
These tools work in coordination and are integrated to ensure a seamless communication experience, providing consistent, accessible, and effective messaging across the Board while allowing flexibility for school-specific communications.