nForma’s new in-app chat tool is transforming school communication by streamlining parent-teacher messaging into a single, intuitive platform designed specifically for Australian schools.
As schools continue to juggle an array of platforms to manage attendance, assessments, messaging, and IT infrastructure, a Melbourne-based education technology company is building a reputation for simplicity, service, and smart software.
Now, with the launch of a new in-app chat tool, nForma is offering something many schools are seeking: a unified, reliable way to communicate with parents and caregivers, without the complication of multiple apps.
Founded in 2000 by former primary school teacher and IT coordinator Mr Steve Clarisse, nForma began as a custom-built student progress tool for use during parent-teacher interviews at a Catholic school in Dandenong. Over two decades later, it has evolved into a comprehensive school management system used by approximately 200 Catholic and independent primary schools across Victoria.
And now, the release of nForma’s chat tool may be its most transformative development yet.
The idea for a native chat function came directly from schools using nForma’s core management system.
“We were hearing from a lot of schools that they were managing student data with one provider, messaging with another, event updates through a third, and paying subscription fees for all of them,” Mr Clarisse says. “We thought – why not simplify it all in one place?”
That place is nForma’s own secure app, where the new chat module allows teachers, administrative staff, and specialist staff (like PE or music teachers) to send direct or group messages to families. Crucially, the chat system pulls from existing school data – student profiles, parent contact information, and home groups are already integrated – so there’s no duplication or manual data entry required.
For educators and administrators, the process is simple: select a class or group, write a message, add media if needed, and hit send. Parents receive a push notification and can reply directly within the app, fostering a two-way communication stream that is both immediate and contextual.
Designed for real school workflows
The new chat tool recognises the complex and varied structures of school communication.
“We’ve built flexibility into the system. A homeroom teacher might want to send updates to the whole class, but a PE teacher might need to notify just 10 families about a regional swimming event. Both use cases are supported,” Mr Clarisse explains.
This granular control extends to attachments and media. Teachers can share photos from an excursion, send PDFs of permission slips, or provide short videos, all within the same thread. And unlike mass emails or SMS blasts, conversations in nForma Chat allow parents to reply, see other responses, and engage as part of a school community.
Schools currently trialling the chat tool in beta testing, primarily in Melbourne’s southeast, report strong feedback. The rollout will continue in stages following refinements based on this testing phase.
By his own admission, Mr Clarisse’s approach has always been iterative and grounded in real school needs.
“We’ve built this business on the idea that technology should support schools, not overwhelm them,” he says.
That ethos is evident in the way the chat tool has been introduced. For existing nForma clients, adding the chat module is seamless: no new passwords, no external platforms, and no re-enrolments. “We can unlock it with a single click,” Mr Clarisse says. “All the student and parent data is already there.”
And for schools that aren’t yet using nForma’s full suite of tools? The chat module can be licensed as a standalone feature, meaning even schools tied into other systems can begin streamlining parent communications right away.
Part of a bigger ecosystem
While the chat tool is garnering attention for its innovation and ease of use, it’s just one part of nForma’s expanding digital ecosystem. The company also offers:
- Student management software designed specifically for primary schools
- Custom website development, with modern, interactive design options
- Onsite IT support, from network maintenance to hardware troubleshooting
Schools can bundle services as needed or engage with specific components, depending on their current needs and existing infrastructure.
“We’re all about flexibility. We don’t force schools into one-size-fits-all solutions,” Mr Clarisse says.
This holistic service model reflects nForma’s evolution from a software provider into a full-service digital partner for schools.
“Our goal has always been to help teachers and administrators spend less time wrestling with tech and more time focused on students,” he says.
One of the factors that sets nForma apart in a competitive edtech market is its personal and human-centred philosophy. Mr Clarisse comes from a family of educators – his wife, brother, mother, and even uncle have all taught in schools. His earliest software designs were user-tested by his wife, who is, by his own admission, is “not a fan of technology”.
“If she could use it, then I knew any teacher could,” he laughs.
That same personal approach extends to customer service. Despite growing steadily over 25 years, the company remains deliberately small. Mr Clarisse and his team provide direct, hands-on support to every school, often answering queries themselves, even after hours.
“We say to our schools: leave the stress to us,” he says. “That’s our promise. And it’s what we’re known for.”
This personalised service model has built trust, and kept schools coming back. While nForma’s core user base remains in Victoria, the chat tool – and the broader software ecosystem – has potential for national appeal. The team has already begun preparing for scalability, including plans for multi-language support in future releases.
Mr Clarisse is also watching the evolving security and privacy requirements in school IT closely, ensuring all nForma tools remain compliant with government standards.
“We’re constantly adapting to what schools need,” he says. “And that comes from listening – really listening – to teachers, principals and admin teams.”
This includes regular conference appearances, stakeholder sessions, and on-site school visits, many of which Mr Clarisse personally attends.
With the full rollout of the chat module expected later this term, schools across Australia are encouraged to register their interest. Whether an existing nForma customer or exploring options for streamlining parent communication workflows, the company offers low-barrier onboarding and transparent pricing.
“We want schools to feel empowered, not overwhelmed,” he says. “That’s what the chat tool is about – simple, intuitive communication that saves time and builds stronger parent partnerships.”
For more information, contact nForma:
Phone: +61 03 9543 4772
Email: info@nforma.com.au
Web: https://nforma.com.au/
