[lunargirl]

Do parents at your school use Facebook groups to communicate with one another - share notices etc.?

If yes, did they get the school's "permission" first? Is it semi-official, with policies and procedures in place? Started by the school, or by a parent?

And is it a closed group or completely secret?

[SummerStar]

Our class parents just use group emailing. Not everyone would have Facebook, I probably wouldn't join a group for it but the group emailing works well for each class. At our school the classes change each year so one parent puts their hand up to be he class parent and send out the emails etc.

[lunargirl]

Oops, I should have said this isn't to replace emails or newsletters or anything - it would just be an additional communication tool.

[FrogIsAFrogIsAFr...]

Yes, and it is *horrific*. Lol. Our school population is about 600 - there are over 200 members in our school group.

It is 'invite only', not endorsed by the school (in fact, the school name isn't even mentioned).

It is really good for getting info for school stuff, selling second hand uniforms (although it keeps the Uniform shop out of the picture, I suppose), finding out about school assemblies etc.

It is also good for networking amongst school group (who knows a good cleaner/ plumber/ nanny/ roof tiler/ etc). However, and this to me is the downside; tt also has it's share of "Who knows the best chalet to stay at in the Swiss Alps?" which cracks me up. I read a lot of it with the Ab Fab voices in my head *snigger* I know I'm probably misinterpreting the pretension and it's all about my own insecurities, though.... bahhhaaahaaaa....

Seems to be a whole lot of backside kissing, too, which irritates me.

Anyway, I ditched Facebook and ditched the group because it didn't really value-add to my life. I'm sure there are many on there who feel the lifeline is essential and I wish them all the best.

[annodam]

No & would not join if they did have one either.
The last thing I want to do in my spare time is to socialise with other parents...

[cinnabubble]

I think the FYOS parents communicate via Facebook. I'm not on Facebook, so I don't use it.

I'm not very concerned about doing more than staying on reasonably friendly terms with them, so what they say on Facebook is pretty irrelevant to me.

[Glowworm80]

Yes, and it's a bloody nightmare!! Started by two mom's last year, it's a private group which does not use the school name just the acronym so it's "parents of xyz".

Not supposed to be endorsed by the school, and has had many complaints from parents especially those whose children photos have gone up on it, and they have specifically withheld permission from the school publishing any of their kids pics. The school despite saying they would speak to the admin concerned have done nothing. All that has changed is that their is a disclaimer on the Facebook info page saying that if you don't want your kids photo up let them know... Problem is a lot of the parents that don't want their kids pics up aren't on Facebook anyway!!!

There has been in fighting amongst the moms when pics from social events were posted and they weren't invited etc etc.

Cherry on the top, I got kicked out with no notification because I unfriended the sticky beak mom personally who is an admin, despite my child going to the school. The mom whose kid left in the first term... Well she still is part of the group!

[FreeRangeMum]

DD's school has a parents FB page. It is 'Parents of XXXX'

It is run by parents and has no official affiliation with the school, although they do know about it and put notices in the newlsetter that it exists and who to contact to get added.

I find it super useful for asking questions about different events/tuckshop/sports day/uniforms etc.

It's great

ETA: it has a no-photo policy (except if it's just of your own child) and there hasn't been any b**chiness or in-fighting. Actually people don't use it to socialise at all. It is primarily for school related information!

This post has been edited by FreeRangeMum: 10/08/2012, 07:52 PM

[Nora.]

God no, I couldn't think of anything worse.

Our town has a "cheers & jeers" page. I am not a member but I lurk

[~TSC~]

There is a private page for dd2's class and it's been really handy for communication, sharing of photos etc. no dramas.