Parents Meetings - whats normal?

[Whizzz]

DS has just started school. I am very keen to join the Parents Group BUT have just found out the first meeting is next Monday morning at 9am !

There is also a meeting for parents on children in Reception on a Monday morning in October.

Me & DH both work full time. DS has 3 weeks of half days which we have had to bend over backwards to accomodate & i can't really keep taking holidays for these weekday school meetings.

Is this usual - I always thought parents meetings were in the evenings ??

[dizzymama]

They could just be trying to drum up support by holding a meeting that doesn't infringe on evening time? Ring the school and see if this is usual. Our PTA have done this a couple of times but always reverted to the evenings.

[Whizzz]

Bump - any other words of wisdom

before I rant at the school !

[Whizzz]

What do other schools do anyone ?

[debutante]

At the schools I know most meetings are in the early evening. Sometimes have things straight after school to catch people when picking up. Head does parents forum once a term in the monring but we are very conscious of working parents. 3 wekks of half days whilst lovely for the children to settle in is a nightmare for working parents which makes me wonder if they are not perhaps as in tune with the needs of families with working parents as they might be. Is it by any chance one you pay for????

[Whizzz]

No - it's not a private school.
I'm going to ring them as its really something i would like to be involved in BUT not if everything is going to be arranged in the daytime. I just didn't know if this was the norm these days. I would have thought far more parents work now then they did when I went to school

[nell12]

My Ds goes to private school, all meetings are held in the late afternoon - evening. Mention it to school, if only to let them know you are willing to participate, if not able.

[debutante]

From my experience it is the norm to have meetings at times which working parents can attend. Is the school in a very affluent area with a lot of stay SAhm in which case they are making loads of assumptions about what people can do. Ring the school and ask gently when they are hoping to make contact with those parents unable to attend a daytime meeting? Daytime meetings are awkward for anyone with young children as well as working people. Don't rant- it's not worth it.. yet! Embarrass them- it'smuch more effective usually! Let me know what they say out of interest!

[nell12]

Most parents at private schools both work (how else do we afford it?!!) so don't feel embarrassed about saying you work, after all, you will be speaking to someone who is at work themselves! They should be able to send you any information you miss by not attending or tell you when the evening meetings will be.
Don't feel overwhelmed by them, in my experience private schools are more than willing to accommodate your needs as you pay them!
Also, remember that you and DS are new to the school so a friendly approach is always best as you do not want to upset anyone unintentionally, especially if you want to play an active role in school life.

[Whizzz]

No I'm not going to rant. I am just suprised at how they think working parents can cope ! Maybe if i do manage to attend any of the meetings, I can put that point forward !

[nikkie]

My PTA always does Fri pm( when I'm at work )
I have spoken to teachers and offered to help with things but still never get told when they are.

[Sparks]

My dd's school alternates between mornings and evenings, so you get a slightly different group of people each time.

They circulate the meeting minutes by e-mail, which I find quite helpful. We get info about what's going on (and pleas for help organising the school fair ) even if we haven't been to a meeting for ages.

[Whizzz]

I rung up & they said most of the meetings are during the day (Grrrrr) How silly is that. They said i can 'help' without attending the meetings - yeah right, all the things no one else wants to do! The 'Chair' is ringing me back though to see what can be done.

[Monstersmum]

Our school (private) is aware of the diff needs of working parents and sahms so try to have an evening meeting once a term. They also have a weekly school newsletter so news gets sent out that way.

To be honest as a SAHM I would be p*ed off if everything was in the evening so schools can't win really!