This guide covers Communicate in the school admin sidebar. Use it for a private chat with one person, a group chat, a bulk email, or a bulk SMS.

Bulk email needs the email API key under System and API Setting, then Email API Settings. Bulk SMS needs an active SMS provider under SMS Settings. If SMS is off, the SMS page shows that SMS is disabled.

Private messaging

Menu: Communicate, then Private Messages.

Page title: Private messaging.

The welcome page has a search box so you can find a user. Group chat opens a conversation with several people. Single chat opens a conversation with one person.

Existing threads are listed with the person's photo. An unread thread is marked so you can see which ones still need a reply. Open a thread to read it and send a message.

Sending emails

Menu: Communicate, then Send Email Message.

Page title: Send multiple emails.

Email subject: Required.

Message content: Required. This box is a full editor.

Message to: Choose everyone, or one group: a specific student, parent, admin, teacher, librarian, hostel manager, accountant, human resource, nurse, or receptionist. Tick the people in that group, or use the multi-select list.

Click Send email message.

Sending SMS

Menu: Communicate, then Send SMS Message.

The header shows the active SMS provider, or SMS disabled if no provider is on.

Message: Required. The page counts the words as you type.

Message to: The same groups as email. The list shows phone numbers.

Click Send.

Suggested order

1. Turn on the email API or the SMS provider before a bulk send.

2. Use Private Messages for one person or a group.

3. Use Send Email Message or Send SMS Message when the same text goes to many people.