WhatsApp Guidelines

School: Caherleaheen NS

As a school community grounded in Christian values of respect, kindness, and cooperation, we believe that communication among parents should uplift,

support, and strengthen our partnership in the education and wellbeing of all pupils. To this end, the Board of Management, Staff, and the Caherleaheen Parents’ Association have set out the following Statement of Expectations for the use of Class WhatsApp groups by parents.

Statement of Expectations

Purpose

Class WhatsApp groups are intended to facilitate positive, community- building communication among parents regarding general school news, reminders, voluntary events, homework, and activities directly relating to the class or school community. Membership of Class WhatsApp groups is voluntary.

Administrators

Class WhatsApp groups are administered by parents in their personal capacity. The school has no role in validating group membership and

neither sends nor monitors messages on WhatsApp. However, the school recognises and appreciates the value of community spirit and support which Class WhatsApp groups promote.

Respectful Communication

All messages shared should reflect our school’s mission and values:

respect, courtesy, kindness and Christian charity. Language used should always be respectful and positive.

Grievances about Staff, Pupils or Parents in the Group

These groups are not the forum for complaints, criticisms, or grievances about teaching or non-teaching staff, pupils, or other parents. If parents have concerns or issues of that nature, we ask that they use the school’s established procedures: speaking privately with the person or scheduling a meeting with the teacher/principal.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Personal information, images, or private concerns about any child or adult in our community should not be shared in the group. If a matter is sensitive, it should be handled through private channels.

We ask all parents/guardians who are members or who request membership of Class WhatsApp groups, to adhere to this Statement, one which seeks to preserve a positive, fruitful, helpful and respectful community for all.

Signatories:

John Griffin,

Chair, Board of Management

 

Caroline Mc. Connell

Chair, Parents’ Association

 

Mary Connolly Principal

Date:       24 /09/2025