Two-Way Audio-over-IP Paging System for Yendarra Primary School

Yendarra Primary School in Otara, Auckland is the first school in New Zealand to opt for our two-way 2N audio-over-IP paging system. Although motivated by a desire for a better quality and more up-to-date paging system, Yendarra Primary also appreciated the Health & Safety gains of two-way paging.

Two-way communication between classroom and the administrative block can put teachers and parents' minds at ease. The ability to contact the office or management without relying on a student runner or the teacher's own mobile phone could make a difference in any of the following instances:

• Medical emergency: allergic reactions, epileptic fits, collapse or choking can be called in immediately
• Security: intruders, caregivers with restricted access and stray dogs can be reported without putting anyone at risk
• Teacher safety: staff have instant access to back up in the event of a violent incident

Plus in a lock-down situation, two-way contact is maintained throughout the crisis, again giving teachers greater peace of mind. This particularly applies to those located in classrooms separate from the main school building.

Emergency management consultants advise against relying on mobile phones as the sole means of communication for a number of reasons:

Poor mobile coverage / dead spots

Pressure on the phone network in a crisis

Time wasted finding the contact

Time wasted navigating an answering service or being put on hold

Limited battery life of a mobile phone (or a two-way radio hand set)

No option to “Page all” or access another specific area of the school

Mobile phones should not be used in the event of a bomb threat due to risk of detonation

And it doesn’t always have to be about safety. Sometimes you can just use the two-way paging system for fun or education. Reward good work by letting them page the Principal and read him/her the comments about an excellent piece of work or remind all other classrooms that your class is running a cake sale during break time!

Plus all the benefits of one-way paging systems:

• Run the school bell – any audio file you like, even the Star Wars theme tune!
• Broadcast a school radio station
• Play pre-recorded announcements: wet lunch time, lunch money, group fitness etc.