Parents, families, and carers hold a crucial role as a child’s first and most important teachers. To ensure students’ success in school, it is essential for families, communities, and schools to collaborate and create a nurturing and supportive environment for the learning and development of all children.
Extensive research demonstrates the value of parent engagement from early childhood through the school years. When schools and families form a partnership, children thrive, remain engaged in their education, and achieve better outcomes. Parental engagement significantly influences children’s school experiences, achievements, and transitions to higher education. Moreover, it yields long-term economic, social, and emotional benefits. Parents and families are instrumental in fostering confident and motivated learners (ARACY, 2018).
Effective schools prioritise high levels of parental and community involvement, which greatly impacts student learning and family well-being. This entails seizing everyday opportunities to promote and support learning during interactions with their children and establishing connections between home, school, and the wider community.
At St Therese’s, we actively seek ways to collaborate with families, aiming to enhance their capacity for effective parent engagement.
Key areas of parent involvement include:
- Classroom Engagement: Parents participate in classroom activities, fostering a collaborative learning environment
- St Therese’s School Community (STSC): Families engage with the STSC and School Board to contribute to the school’s growth and development
- School Celebrations: Parents join in school celebrations, including liturgies, assemblies and other initiatives, strengthening community ties and reinforcing shared values
- Sporting Events and Carnivals: Families support students’ participation in sporting events and carnivals, promoting physical well-being and teamwork
- Information Evenings: Parents attend information evenings to stay informed about their child’s education and school updates.
- Parent/Teacher Interviews: Parent/teacher interviews facilitate open communication and partnership in supporting students’ progress
- Feedback and Surveys: Parents provide valuable feedback through surveys and forums, contributing to ongoing school improvement
- Seesaw Updates: Stay informed about events, news, updates and your child’s learning journey through Seesaw.
- Facebook STS Community Hub: Join our closed Facebook group for current STS parents to stay in the know about news, events, and exciting activities happening at our school. It’s a convenient way to stay connected with our community
- Parent Volunteers: Parent helpers significantly enhance teaching and learning in our school. Their support enables teachers to provide enriched experiences for students.
HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Before being able to volunteer at the school there are a number of steps that must be completed. Volunteers must first review the Code of Conduct for Parents, Carers and Volunteers and the Student Protection Handbook for Volunteers which can be downloaded below. After reading both of these documents a short online training course must also be completed. More information on Volunteering can be found in the Parent Engagement section of the Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns website with the online training course below.
An application form is also required to be completed for new volunteers which includes a Volunteer Declaration. The form can be downloaded below with copies also being available from the school office. Please be aware that this form and the training must be completed each year to remain current.
Code of Conduct for Parents, Carers and Volunteers
Student Protection Handbook for Volunteers
New Volunteer Application Form
Blue Card Requirements for Volunteers
In line with Queensland Government Blue Card requirements, volunteers may be required to hold a valid Blue Card before commencing volunteering.
Parents and carers of current students may volunteer without a Blue Card only when assisting with activities that involve their own child and do not include overnight stays or close personal care of other children.
A Blue Card is required for:
- Volunteering in an activity that your child is not directly participating in
- Overnight camps or excursions
- Committee or executive roles (e.g. STSC Executive Committee Members / STS Governance Board Members)
- Grandparents and other family members who are not the child’s parent or carer
- If your combined number of volunteer days in a calendar year exceed 7 days
All volunteers must comply with the ‘No Card, No Start’ law where applicable.
For further information or to apply for a Blue Card, please visit the Blue Card for volunteers webpage on the Queensland Government website.
Only once a volunteer application has been approved can a volunteer begin helping out at school. When assisting, volunteers are required to sign in upon arrival at the school office at which time a Visitor Badge will be issued which must be worn at all times whilst onsite. Upon departure you will need to return the badge to the office and sign out.
