What do you see as the role of the PTA and how does that match your reality?

[justonemorethread]

I tried joining pta, currently dcs attending an international school overseas. I know in every school there is always that basic cohort of parents who end up helping at all events, but this one seems to take the biscuit.
The vast majority of children have one non working parent, there are about 400 children in the primary plus a small secondary.
This year nobody attended the first pta meeting, and one of the biggest school events is coming up soon, think similar to summer fete.
There are two teachers who are at all meetings but no senior management input.

Feels like the school wants all the fundraising but none of the hassle. Isthis normal? Should school mmanagement be more involved or is it just down to the parents?

Its a shame as we are not a big international community and this school in my opinion should be at the heart of it!

On the upside at least we don't get lemon drizzle cake incidents

Ours is run mostly by parents, with one (sometimes none) token staff member at meetings. However they do have a good relationship with the head, less so with the governors who can be obstructive. Events are largely run by parents but staff do make an effort to help out or join in.

At DD's primary school the PTA was chaired by the head teacher. The only other teacher was the deputy head. The rest were parents.

The role of the PTA was to fundraise for extras for the children library books, sufficient laptops so that the children didn't have to share, playground markings, outdoor play equipment, Christmas presents from father Christmas etc.

Our PTA was a pretty good one and nothing like some of the ones I have read about on here.

When we needed more members we used to send a newsletter home to parents outlining the role of the PTA and asking if anyone had any spare time to help.

It should be done with committee members and helpers. Committee makes decisions, and shares jobs, but enlist helpers to come along when needed. They should be open to new ideas... and welcome new members! The biggest issue is some bossy boots turn up and rubbish all efforts so a head present helps smooth out any issues.

Our PTA meetings have the head teacher, a staff representative and a governor attend. The governor and staff rep have come to so many meeting they help at most events. They don't get a vote are pretty silent in meetings. Thinks it's case of them not butting in but do offer opinions if asked.

I think the meetings benefit with their attendance as it helps with communication between staff/give/PAT and often focuses on what funds are going to be used on as they know where monies could be spent wisely. Though they never demand only offer suggestions.

It's Staff/gov/PTA

Pahhhhhh

Interesting, thanks! I think the problem is that there seems to be zero collaboration between pta and head teacher/deputy. They really show very little interest so there is not great communication between school and parents.

I've been at this school two years now and helped organise this big festival last year. We had a small committee last year, this year there is no committee, following the no show at the first pta meeting, just a general appeal to all parents to volunteer for the coming event.

I'm so pissed off with the general apathy (as obviously are the other handful of previous members of the pta) that I feel like sitting back and watching how the event will unfold, but not sure if that is a bit too passive aggressive! I think the reason no pta members showed up for that first meeting is that we are all equally fed up.

After the event last year lots of people had 'constructive criticism' as they do every year, so would be interesting to see what happens!

On the other hand if it is chaotic and badly organised all the children will suffer for it and it won't be a nice event….