For many schools, writing content for newsletters or websites can feel like one more job on an already overflowing list. The challenge is often not the writing itself — it’s getting started.
Think of it like tidying a messy room. The hardest part is taking that first step. Once you’ve picked up a few things, momentum kicks in, and before long the space is looking far better. Or imagine pushing a boulder down a hill — it takes a bit of effort to get it moving, but once it’s rolling, the hard work is done.
That’s where tools like ChatGPT can help schools.
The Benefits of Using ChatGPT
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Overcome the blank page. ChatGPT can generate a first draft quickly, giving staff something to build on instead of starting from scratch.
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Save time. It helps cut down the hours spent crafting routine updates or reports.
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Boost confidence. Staff who aren’t natural writers can use AI as a support tool, knowing they can polish the content later.
The Limitations to Keep in Mind
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Generic tone. AI writing often lacks the personal voice that makes a school’s story unique.
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Fact checking is essential. ChatGPT can make mistakes, so details need to be verified.
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Privacy matters. Sensitive information should never be entered into AI tools— though this is less of a concern when creating content for a website, since it’s already public-facing.
Best Practice for Schools
Rather than relying on ChatGPT for finished content, think of it as a “kickstarter” tool. Let it break the silence of the blank page, then add your school’s stories, values, and personality. A draft can be polished into something authentic and engaging — much like tidying that messy room or shaping that rolling boulder in the right direction.
At EWS, we see real value in using AI as a support, not a substitute. The heart of your school’s communication should still come from you — the people who live and breathe the culture every day.
A Practical Way Forward
ChatGPT won’t replace the unique voice of your school, but it can make getting started much less daunting. By treating it as a draft partner rather than a finished product, schools can save time, spark ideas, and give staff the confidence to write with more ease.
What matters most is the layer you add afterwards — your culture, your stories, and your people. That’s what makes communication resonate.
And for transparency — this blog itself began with a ChatGPT draft, and even the illustration was AI-generated, before being refined by hand. Exactly the balance we suggest: let AI provide the first step, then shape it into something authentically yours.