Schoolzine’s SMS Communication Platform is an easy to use system to manage SMS communications with your community. Simply import your list of mobile numbers and start communicating with your users.

If you wish to start using the SMS Platform, have any questions or wish to begin the setup for one of our other features, please don't hesitate to contact our Support Team and one of our members can assist you as soon as possible. 

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It is important to note that sending an SMS out via the Control Centre as well as the initial setup for the SMS feature, will incur an additional cost to your current subscriptions in the Schoolzine System.

SMS can be sent via 3 methods, Quick Sends, via the Manage SMS section, or for larger, or more complex messages and contact lists we recommend using the Communicate section.

If you have not had SMS setup for your Account, or would like more information on the costs and capabilities of SMS, please contact Schoolzine.

Sending an SMS – Manage SMS

Sending via the Manage SMS section will allow you for sending to the entire database of contacts, or specific groups, however does not allow for sending to individual contacts or multiple sends. There is a character limit of 160 characters.

1. Log in to your Control Centre and select the Communicate menu tab.
2. Then select Manage SMS.
3. The From Number will automatically populate using your accounts SMS settings so do not adjust this.
4. Select your Recipients. You are able to send the message to your entire database, or to specific groups, you can send to multiple groups if needed. You cannot send to individual contacts via this method.
5. Type in the Message you would like to send out. You cannot format your content or include images. You are able to include links if necessary.
6. Click Publish to send your SMS.

Sending an SMS - Quick Send

Quick send SMS's are recommended for a quick notification to your contacts and will allow you to specify multiple channels, sending to ALL or Specific groups, and allow for a character limit of 140.

1. Log in to your Control Centre and select the Quick Send Message menu tab.
2. Type in the Message Title and the Message content you would like to send out.
3. Select which Channel/s you need to send your message out to.
4. Select your Recipients. You are able to send the message to your entire database, or to specific groups, you can send to multiple groups if needed. You cannot send to individual contacts via this method.
5. Click Send to distribute your message.

Sending an SMS – Communicate

Sending via the Communicate section is recommended for sending of complex SMS sends to individual contacts, excluding contacts or groups, as well as large SMS messages that might extend into multiple messages, however does take more steps than the other methods. There is a character limit of 153, and this method allows up to 3 sequential messages in total (459 characters.)

1. Log in to your Control Centre and select the Communicate menu tab.
2. Select New Message to create a new message and select the SMS channel, before selecting Next.
3. Populate the Message Name your and update the Send Date, and Send Time if required before selecting Next
4. Populate your text message in the Message Content section and then select Next.
5. Select your Recipients. You will be able to select single contacts and customise the send much more than via the Manage SMS or Quick Send methods. Once you have selected your contacts, select Next.
6. Click Complete & Send to send your SMS.

Sending a large SMS message

There is a character limit for SMS's applied to the various send styles. If a message with more than this character limit is sent via SMS, the system will send the message in blocks of 153 characters and you will be charged for each block. This method is only able to be done by the COMMUNICATE section.

After you have had your SMS communication channel setup, you will have a nominated email where the workflow replies will be sent through to when a user replies to your virtual number.

These workflows can commonly be nominated to go to a dedicated email for recording with SMS absentees.If you would like to nominate a different email address for the emails to be sent through to then let us know by emailing support@schoolzine.com.

You can also view your SMS reply records by logging into your Control Centre:

1. After logging into the Control Centre, select Communicate.
2. Across the top menu ribbon, select Manage SMS.
3. Select the View SMS Replies button from the top of the page. This will allow you to view the responses to the previous messages you have sent.

Field Descriptions

Date: The Date and Time that you received the message reply.

From Number: The mobile number the reply was received from. If there is a name linked to the mobile number, the name will also appear and you will be able to access the user’s contact details.

To Number: The mobile number the reply was sent to. This is your assigned virtual number.

Message: The reply message. If the reply message is longer than 160 characters it will be split over two (or more) records.

Available below is a list of commonly asked questions and their associated answers.

If you can't find what you're looking for, or are interested in enabling SMS for your account, please Contact Support.

Is SMS included in my subscription?

SMS is a stand-alone subscription, it is not included in any other subscription. 

Is SMS available in my region?

SMS is currently available for clients in Australia and the United Kingdom.

How much does SMS cost?

The cost of this subscription will differ based on your region, contact your local Support Team to confirm costing.

Where do SMS replies go?

Any replies to your SMS messages will be converted to email form and sent to your nominated email address, they will also be recorded in your Schoolzine Control Centre.

Is there a character limit for SMS?

If sending via the Manage SMS section, you will be limited to 160 characters.

If sending via the Quick Send method, you will be limited to 140 characters.

If sending via the Communicate section, you will be limited to 153 characters, however will support multiple sends up to 459 characters (3 messages).