SchoolMessenger – Electronic Communication

Parents and guardians: Stay informed!

Pembina Hills School Division (PHSD) communicates the latest school and school division information, events and announcements through electronic communications.

Our division communicates directly with parents and guardians through email, text messaging (SMS) and phone calls on topics such as school announcements, student opportunities, sports events, general reminders, newsletters, attendance notifications, information regarding school fundraisers, school councils, school fees, picture days, hot lunch, consent (permission) forms, emergency or urgent notifications or other similar school-related activities.

Our division uses a platform called SchoolMessenger to communicate directly with parents/guardians quickly and efficiently using the contact information from a student’s file in PowerSchool, our Student Information System.

Parents and guardians can consent to receive electronic communications from PHSD and its schools through the Annual Enrolment Verification Form or New Student Registration Form or provide consent through their SchoolMessenger account.

Create a SchoolMessenger account!

With an account, you can:

  • View messages sent to your email address from the school or school division.
  • Report your child’s absence using the SafeArrival feature of SchoolMessenger.
  • Update your consent and contact preferences – adjust which messages you receive and how you receive them.

Download the app or visit home.schoolmessenger.ca to create an account using the email address on file with the school. See the instructions below.

Don’t want to create an account? You can still opt-in to receive text (SMS) messages by texting “Y” or “Yes” to 978338. Standard Text Message & Data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to any message. See more details in this poster.

How to create a SchoolMessenger account

Using the SchoolMessenger App

  1. Download the SchoolMessenger app (“SM Home”) from the Apple or Google Play stores or visit home.schoolmessenger.ca for the links.
  2. The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account.
  3. Select “Canada” and enter the email address your school has on file for your child/ren.
  4. Log in with your newly created account to see messages, report a student absence or update your contact preferences.

With the app, you can receive push notifications when you receive a new message!

Using the SchoolMessenger website

  1. Go to home.schoolmessenger.ca.
  2. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account.
  3. Enter the email address your school has on file for your child/ren and ensure the location is set to “Canada”.
  4. Select the Sign up button.
  5. Log in with your newly created account to see messages, report a student absence or update your contact preferences.

Having trouble? Contact your school office.

How to update contact preferences

Using the app

  1. Log into the SchoolMessenger app.
  2. Select the My Profile icon.
  3. Select Preferences.
  4. Select a message type and use the toggle button to update how you want to be contacted for those message types.
    Note: At least one phone number is required for School Hours and Non-School Hours Emergency messages.

Using the website

  1. Log in to the SchoolMessenger website.
  2. Select the icon with your initials in the top right corner.
  3. Select Preferences.
  4. Select the message type and use the checkboxes to update how you want to be contacted for those messages. Note: At least one phone number is required for School Hours and Non-School Hours Emergency messages.
  5. Select Save.