what does being on the PTA involve?

[gigglinggoblin]

just wondered if anyone was on the pta, how much are you expected to do?

theres a meeting at school tonight which i will prob go to but i have a toddler aswell as 2 school aged kids and am pg, so not sure how much time i will have to spare for it.

tia

[Gobbledigook]

You can do as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Certainly on ours there is no pressure to do anything.

There are monthly meetings that you are welcome to attend - you can just sit and listen or you can contribute ideas or offer your time. It's entirely up to you.

Some people become a class rep - at our school it's not a major job but you have responsibility for organising your class 'stall' at the Xmas and summer fairs.

I'm on the committee so have extra meetings on top of the monthly ones and I like helping out so often volunteer if something needs doing and I can manage it.

Go to the meeting though - if you don't feel you can offer time, that will be fine.

[gigglinggoblin]

thanks gobbledigook, thats really helpful. will go and see if there is anything i can help with

[Glassofwine]

Ours is similar, we have monthly meetings normall in the pub! There are a couple of teachers who try to come to represent the school too inc the head. Some people are very active, others just help out as and when. Our class reps don't do much except try to sell tickets to fundraising events to other parents in the class.

[gigglinggoblin]

thanks gow, i was worried i might be expected to do all sorts of things i might not have time for, if its just as and when then i can def sign up. i just dont like volunteering if i cant commit fully

[Mateychops]

Go along and see what you think. I've helped out for two years, and have only this year got involved with the committee. Can't do everything, but try my best and everybody is in the same boat so quite understanding

[magnolia1]

I am expecting baby #5 and have been on the pta for just over a year now. I offer as much help as I can but there is no pressure at all. Most schools are greatful even for the smallest amount of help and ideas

[Mascaraohara]

Oooo, ours is tonight and I wondered whether to go but don't have much free time..

[Mateychops]

Mascara, don't worry, I've got hardly any time either, I work and have a dd and ds. But, they are very grateful of any help!

[Gobbledigook]

Did either of you go to the meetings?!

[gigglinggoblin]

i didnt get there as i started chatting to ds1s teacher and half an hour later i thought it might be a bit disruptive to go in that late. ds1 was also refusing to go in and he can make a huge fuss in these situations (he has AS) so i thought it would be better to leave it. i am planning on grabbing the head next time i see her and asking her to put me on a list of helpers as i would like to be involved

[SoupDragon]

I'm not officially on the PTA but I've taken on the task of stuff like posters, programmes, banners and a new directory of useful jobs the school's parents do. Basically, I do the stuff that I can fit in around 3 children and a husband who's never home

[gigglinggoblin]

that sounds like the sort of thing i could manage soupy!