At Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School, we understand that social media is a vital component of our marketing strategy. It is not only a tool for communication but also a powerful platform to attract new families and showcase our commitment to a faith-based education that combines academic excellence with spiritual growth. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, effective social media use significantly enhances the visibility of private schools, making it an essential practice in today’s educational landscape.

1. Shareable Content to Spread Our Mission

One of our core strategies is creating content that is easy to share. We encourage our school families to actively share our posts, helping us extend our reach and spread awareness of the exceptional opportunities available at our school. By sharing our content, you play a crucial role in introducing new families to the benefits of joining our community and supporting our mission.

2. Handling Mistakes: A Private Approach

When engaging with our social media, particularly on Facebook, we kindly ask that you refrain from publicly pointing out errors or suggesting corrections in the comments. While we strive for accuracy, mistakes can happen. Addressing them privately allows us to maintain a cohesive and positive message. If you notice something that needs correcting, please send us a private message, and we will promptly address it without disrupting our shared goal of presenting the school in the best light.

3. Public Versus Internal Announcements

Our official Facebook page is reserved for promoting our mission, recruiting new families, and sharing public events. For internal announcements or events that primarily concern our current families, we encourage you to refer to our shared calendar, the upcoming events page, and the weekly bulletin. These are the best sources for staying informed about what’s happening in our school community. Event organizers and parents are encouraged to share relevant information on the official parent Facebook page. Occasionally, we may post about events that highlight our mission or are open to the public, as these help showcase the vibrancy of our school.

4. Image Use in Social Media

While we aim to feature images of Our Lady of the Lakes students whenever possible, not all images on our social media will include current or former students. To ensure the highest quality content, we sometimes use stock photos or other images that best represent the message we aim to convey for marketing purposes.  We also maintain a “Do Not Show Image” list that protects students and families who do not want to be shown on social media.

5. Athletics Social Media and Updates

Our athletics program has a dedicated Instagram account, OLL_Athletics, where you can stay updated on all athletic events and achievements. We are working on new and exciting ways to promote our students athletic achievements, stay tuned. We encourage coaches and managers to keep our athletic department informed about scores, events, or special achievements. In the meantime, please check our calendarand website for updates, and contact our athletic department for any specific inquiries.

6. Timeliness and Purpose of Posts

Lastly, we ask for your patience when waiting for updates on Facebook. Posts may be in queue or awaiting final media or details. Since our social media is primarily focused on marketing and promotions, we carefully consider the purpose and timing of each post. While celebrating our students is important to us, we prioritize content that aligns with our mission of providing affordable Catholic education.

By following these guidelines, we ensure that our social media presence continues to reflect the vibrant, supportive community that Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School represents. Thank you for your ongoing support in sharing our story with the world!

Last updated September 2024