This guide explains how schools can opt in to the d6 communications rollout, which lets us notify parents by email and SMS to download the d6 Communicator app. Opting in is required before the rollout can be triggered, and once accepted the launch will run automatically on the date you choose.

My School > System: Communication > Communication Setup: d6 App Setup > Takeup tab

What is the d6 app communication rollout?

The d6 app comms rollout is a once-off communication campaign that sends a series of email and SMS's to all parents linked to your school, inviting them to download the d6 Communicator app. The rollout is the fastest way to drive parent take-up, because it reaches every parent on record at the same time with consistent branding and a clear call to action.

Schools must opt in before any messages are sent. SMS is charged at 29c per 160 characters, so the school is in full control of when, and whether, the rollout runs.

How do I opt in to the communication rollout?

Follow the steps below to set your launch date and accept the rollout. Once accepted, the system will send the email and SMS automatically on the date you specify.

Step 1: Navigate to the d6 App Setup screen

1. Log in to your d6 School Management system.

2. From the main menu, go to My School.

3. Select System: Communication.

4. Open Communication Setup: d6 App Setup.

Step 2: Open the Takeup tab

1. On the d6 App Setup screen, click on the Takeup tab.

2. This is where all rollout and parent take-up settings are managed.

Step 3: Scroll to Roll out launch system

1. Scroll down the Takeup tab until you reach the Roll out launch system section.

2. This is the section that controls the SMS and email rollout to parents.

Step 4: Set your launch date and accept

1. In the Roll out launch system section, select your preferred SMS / email launch date.

2. Review the date carefully — this is the date on which messages will go out to parents.

3. Click Accept to confirm the rollout.

4. The system will now schedule the rollout. On the date you selected, the email and SMS will be sent to all parents on record, inviting them to download the d6 Communicator app.

Important information before you opt in

• SMS cost: SMS messages are billed at 29c per 160 characters. The cost is based on the number of parents on record and the length of the message.

• Parent contact details: Make sure parent email addresses and cellphone numbers are up to date in your system before accepting the rollout. Outdated details will result in failed deliveries.

• Once accepted, the launch is scheduled: After you click Accept, the rollout is locked in for the date you chose. If you notice your uptake has increased, and you are satisfied you can cancel the remainder of the scheduled rollout.

• One-time campaign: The rollout is designed as a once-off launch communication. Ongoing parent communication continues through the d6 Communicator app once parents have downloaded it.

What happens after I accept?

• Confirmation on screen: The Takeup tab will reflect the scheduled launch date and that the rollout has been accepted.

• Automatic send: On your chosen date, the system sends the series of email and SMS's to parents linked to your school in d6. Communication happens on day 1, 3, 5, 8, 10 and 12. 

• Parents receive instructions: The message encourages parents to download the d6 Communicator app from the App Store or Google Play. 

• Take-up reporting: Once parents start downloading and logging in, take-up figures become visible on the same Takeup tab.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I opt in for the d6 app comms rollout?

You opt in under My School > System: Communication > Communication Setup: d6 App Setup, on the Takeup tab. Scroll down to the Roll out launch system section, choose your launch date, and click Accept.

How much does the SMS cost?

SMS messages sent as part of the rollout are billed at 29c per 160 characters. The total depends on the number of parents you have on record and the length of the message.

What does the rollout actually do?

It sends a series of email and SMS's to all parents linked to your school, inviting them to download the d6 Communicator app. This is the fastest way to onboard parents onto the platform you use to communicate with them.

Can I change the launch date after I have accepted?

Once accepted, the launch is locked in for the date you selected. If you need to change or cancel a scheduled rollout, please cancel the rollout and relaunch it. 

Do I need to do anything else before accepting?

No — but do make sure parent email addresses and cellphone numbers are accurate and up to date in your system. 

What happens if I do not opt in?

If you do not opt in, no email or SMS will be sent to parents. Schools that do not opt in will need to drive parent take-up of the d6 Communicator app manually, which is significantly slower and harder to track.

Where can I see how many parents have downloaded the app?

Take-up figures appear on the same Takeup tab once the rollout has launched and parents start downloading and logging in to the d6 Communicator app.