At St Catherine of Siena, we are proud to be a vibrant, culturally diverse community where every individual is valued and respected. We celebrate the rich backgrounds and unique perspectives that our students, families and staff bring, fostering an environment where diversity is embraced and celebrated.
Our school community extends beyond the classroom, creating opportunities for collaboration, engagement and shared growth. We work together as partners in education, with families playing an integral role in the learning journey of their children. Whether through volunteering, attending school events or participating in school activities, our families are vital in strengthening the sense of belonging and unity that defines our school.
Parent Helpers
The staff at St Catherine of Siena consider the engagement and involvement of Parents in a child’s learning as an essential part of the education of children. Children witness Teachers and Parents working together, which in turn develops positive attitudes towards school. There are opportunities to become involved such as assisting at events held on School grounds, on Excursions, at Events held off the School grounds and in the classroom. Some of the tasks Parent Helpers might be asked to do in the classroom include:
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Attend to Home Reading program;
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Work with small groups of children in the Reading session;
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Read to children;
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Model good speaking and listening skills; and
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Help children solve literacy and mathematical problems;
Before Volunteering, it is your responsibility to;
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Have a current ‘Working with Children Check Card’. Volunteers are required to provide their WWCC on the day of visit and wear a visitor lanyard supplied by the Office when signing in.
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Attend a Child Safety Induction as part of our Child Safety processes. These sessions are run at the beginning of each year and on a needs basis throughout the year. Once this course has been completed, parents are able to volunteer their time in learning spaces.
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Have read and signed the St Catherine of Siena Code of Conduct for volunteers. You can check with the office to see if you have signed & returned the Code of Conduct.
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Have read and are familiar with the St Catherine of Siena Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy
Working with Children Check Card (WWCC) – Since December 2017 it is an offence under the Working With Children Act 2005 to engage in child related work without having a current WWCC Card, this includes volunteer work undertaken by Parents / Carers / Guardians / Grandparents at School.
To apply for a WWCC card families can apply online at: www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au
Working with Children Check Policy
To read more about Child Safety at St Catherine of Siena click here.