Short Messaging Service (SMS) Communications Software and associated Support and Maintenance

The Department of Education (‘Department’) is seeking a Short Message Service (SMS) absence and notification system.

The Department requires the provision of software that will function in an online environment and delivers communication utilising SMS and possibly email technologies for implementation in WA public schools and Department offices. The software will need to interact and integrate with the Department’s existing student information system (IntegrisClassic), to support the communication between Department offices, schools and parents, guardians and carers.

The continued provision of SMS communications is important as it is a key strategy in the Department’s efforts to improve student attendance monitoring and early parent/carer notification. Schools require a tool to send automated messages when a student is absent without explanation, to monitor attendance and support the focus of attendance strategies. The use of SMS communication has also become a vital tool for schools to communicate a range of events, such as:

• emergency situations such as school closures due to storm damage;
• notification of cancellation of events, e.g. sports carnival due to poor weather; and
• general communication on important school activities.