St Patrick’s Primary School in Mentone parents cautioned over ‘derogatory’ group chat
Families from St Patrick’s Primary School in Mentone have been cautioned by the principal “to be respectful” after comments in a parents’ group chat.
Education
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Families from a Catholic primary school have been cautioned about making “inflammatory” and “derogatory” comments in a parents’ group chat.
In a recent letter to families sent out by St Patrick’s Primary School in Mentone, principal Pat Berlingeri warned parents to be respectful in group chats.
“It has been brought to the school’s attention that the conduct within some year level group chats do not comply with the purpose for which these groups were created,” Mr Berlingeri said.
“The sole purpose of year level and class group chats are to communicate P & F (Parents and Friends) updates and assist with general school enquires,” he added.
Mr Berlingeri said there was a level of respect that was expected at all times by parents.
“Members must have consideration of everyone’s individual welfare. Any inflammatory, derogatory messages are unacceptable and unnecessary.”
He also added that the group chats should not be used as an advertising platform or to post topics that could cause “unnecessary concern and anxiety” to the community.
“We are part of one community and are here to support each other and our children through their school journey,” he wrote.
In a statement to the Herald Sun, Mr Berlingeri said: “We recognise parents are the first educators of their children, and believe the strongest outcomes arise from working in partnership with parents.”
“This is why our Parents and Friends year level and class group chats were established, and continue to play an important role in supporting our students, parents and school community,” he said.
“We politely ask that the purpose for which these chats were created to be respected by all members within our school community.”
The warning reflects a heightened legalised background between parents, teachers and students.
Four years ago, Queensland principal Tracey Brose sued parents for defamation over negative online comments left by parents on a petition.
One parent admitted to having had a “couple of bourbons” when she came across the petition, and added a number of negative comments.
The petition had a number of posts from parents calling Ms Brose names, detailing bad experiences with her and saying they wanted her dead.
Three parents settled out of court, for a total of $182,500.
Parents’ chat groups, which are usually arranged according to their children’s year level, most often use WhatsApp messaging.
Some use other social media sites to rail about such groups, calling the discussions
“an explosion of petty drama” and “anxiety-inducing”.
“The worst thing about being a parent is other parents,” one parent said.
“People often bring up disputes between their kids and it descends into a slanging match.
“Some of the parents use it as a one-up group on each other or bombard the group with random messages that have nothing to do with school.”
“Leave the group and be happier for it,” another parent said.
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