SchoolMessenger - Receive Updates from Schools and the District
The Chilliwack School District uses SchoolMessenger to communicate with families via recorded phone messages and email. Parents, guardians, and caregivers can also OPT-IN to receive SMS text messages. Find out about school closures, emergency notifications, engagement opportunities, and more.
SafeArrival - Report an Absence
It's important to ensure that our students arrive safely at school each day. The District uses a student absence reporting system called SafeArrival. SafeArrival reduces the time it takes to verify student attendance, makes it easy for families to report a child’s absence, and assists staff in responding to unexplained student absences.
Use SafeArrival to report a child’s absence in advance using any of these three methods:
- Use a Mobile Device
- Download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance, then Report an Absence.
- Use the SafeArrival Website
The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance, then Report an Absence.
Call the Toll-free Number 1-833-698-6567 to report an absence using the automated phone system.
These options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Report upcoming absences at any time.
When an Absence is Not Reported in Advance
When an absence is not reported in advance and a child is absent, we use SchoolMessenger automated notification system to contact families. The automated system will attempt to contact parents in multiple ways until a reason for the absence is submitted. If the system is unable to reach the designated contacts, school staff will follow up. Reporting a child’s absence in advance using SafeArrival will ensure you do not receive these notifications.
VIDEO: Get to Know SchoolMessenger
VIDEO: Log an Absence
- What is SafeArrival
SafeArrival is an absence management system that improves student safety and makes it easy for you to let the school know about your child’s absence. You are asked to report your child’s absence in advance whenever possible. To report an absence, use the free SchoolMessenger app, visit go.schoolmessenger.ca or phone the toll-free phone line at 1-833-698-6567.
Whenever an absence is reported or updated, you will receive a confirmation notice by email and/or text message (assuming you have provided your contact information to the school). If you don’t report your child’s absence in advance, the automated notification system will try to contact you (using the communication preferences if you have set them up in the SchoolMessenger app). This may include push notifications to the app, email, SMS text message, phone calls. You will be asked to provide the reason for your child’s absence immediately.
- Why do I need a SchoolMessenger app account?
A SchoolMessenger app account is not required to use the toll-free phone line to report absences. However, we strongly recommend that you provide your email address to the school and set up your SchoolMessenger app account. This allows you to review and update absences, review your contact information and communication preferences and more.
- How do I use the toll-free phone line?
When you call the toll-free phone line, follow the instructions for reporting an absence. If the phone number you are calling from matches a phone number on file with the school for your student(s), you will hear your student’(s) name(s). If the system doesn’t recognize your caller ID, you will be asked to enter the student’s home phone number.