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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be pissed of that school expect everyone to be able to download an app?

53 replies

user1477282676 · 12/02/2017 10:43

Our school has just changed so that the newsletter is delivered via an app.

I just tried to download it and my old iphone won't let me. It says I need to upgrade to Ios 8 or something.

What am I meant to do?

OP posts:
Snowflakes1122 · 12/02/2017 10:48

Is it available to view on the schools website? Does the school/parents have a Facebook page with it on?

I have similar issues with dcs school in that they send it in email form in a way I can't access via iPhone.

VladmirsPoutine · 12/02/2017 10:50

Is it available in any other format?
That said, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect someone to know how to download an app.

OnionKnight · 12/02/2017 10:53

My friend's daughter goes to a school that expects every parent to have an iPad as they are told to download certain Apps etc Hmm

I think it's taking the piss.

augustbody · 12/02/2017 10:54

I can't download any new apps because my shitty phone is only 8GB (thanks for the recommendation Mumsnet Hmm) and i have already filled it with essential apps (like FB!) and I still have to clear it weekly.

So no, YANBU. I imagine they can get it out to you another way though surely?

squeakingclean · 12/02/2017 10:56

I think expecting people to download an app is fine, provided it's on all the formats, not just for Iphones/ IPads, I have neither.

Porpoises · 12/02/2017 10:56

August maybe you could buy a menory card online and switch it? I did that for my phone.

School is unreasonable though!

MetalMidget · 12/02/2017 11:00

It means that your iPhone is running an out of date operating system, which won't affect making calls or texts, but will stop you from being able to install certain apps that require newer OSs. To put it into context, iOS 8 was released 2014, we're now on iOS 10.

If you've got an iPhone that's older than a 4S, you can't install iOS 8, as those earlier devices are too old to support it.

impostersyndrome · 12/02/2017 11:04

You are not being unreasonable. The school shouldn't assume you have any sort of smart device. At the least, it should provide a downloadable PDF from its website.

Toottootcar · 12/02/2017 11:06

What you need to do is email the school and tell them you can't access it, they will send or give you one.
If no one makes it clear that it's a problem the school won't know.

megletthesecond · 12/02/2017 11:08

Yanbu. Not everyone has the most up to date tech.

MongerTruffle · 12/02/2017 11:16

August maybe you could buy a menory card online and switch it? I did that for my phone.

Apple would never let you expand storage in your device.

jimijack · 12/02/2017 11:17

Yadnbu!
I struggle with this, my phone is just a phone, I can text or (very very rarely) phone, I am the last in the world I know.
I have never downloaded anything via my phone.
The website gives me any info I need.
I get what you mean op.

bastedyoungturkey · 12/02/2017 11:17

I think we should just accept that all schools are being unreasonable all of the time for everything they do.

ThatIsNachoCheese · 12/02/2017 11:18

Could be worse op, my ds school expect us to download an app to view his homework. No planners anymore, teachers just add it to the app.
I especially like it when they add it on a Sunday to be in for Monday and then try and say the kids were told in class. I'm sure they were bit THEY DON'T HAVE A FUCKING PLANNER to write it in!

BertrandRussell · 12/02/2017 11:20

It'll be on the website too.

PlayOnWurtz · 12/02/2017 11:20

And this is why I loathe apple. Android all the way, at least you can add storage to their devices

ADishBestEatenCold · 12/02/2017 13:54

"I don't think it's unreasonable to expect someone to know how to download an app"

There is a difference between someone not knowing how to download an app and having a phone that won't allow, Vladmirs.

barinatxe · 12/02/2017 13:58

YANBU - not every parent will have a recent iPhone. There is no need for it to only be available via an app. It would be easier for them, let alone the parents, if it was just uploaded to their website, or sent to a blind-copy email list.

ADishBestEatenCold · 12/02/2017 13:59

"I am the last in the world I know."

Not quite the last in the world, jimijack, my phone is also just a phone.

All sorts of people have tried to part me from it (they probably want to put it in a museum Grin), but I am ridiculously attached to it.

AlexanderHamilton · 12/02/2017 14:01

YANBU

Ds's homework is set on an ap called Firefly but you can also access everything via a web page.

All letters etc are sent as pdf attachments. Schools should not assume that everyone has certain technology.

FuzzyCustard · 12/02/2017 14:12

Another one without a smartphone here... And I don't want one either. I'd let school know and ask if there is another way of accessing the newsletter.

Hellmouth · 12/02/2017 14:18

You're 2 operating systems behind, and most software these dates are built for the most recent and current systems.

It's not their problem that you use outdated software or choose not to update your phone.

Smartphones are the future, get used to it.

SandyDenny · 12/02/2017 14:19

It'll be on the website too

Eh? how do you know that?

My school doesn't put newsletters on the website but luckily they don't need an app either. A word document goes by email with paper copies at school for people who don't have an email address

Sensible and simple IMO but there are always parents that doesn't get them and miss out on what's happening

jumpin17 · 12/02/2017 14:24

If your current iPhone is 8gb then you'll be eligible for a fee upgrade.

callmeadoctor · 12/02/2017 14:30

Just ask the school for a paper copy, am I missing something?