Volunteering

•  Always sign in at the office. This enables us to account for you in case of an emergency or an evacuation drill. Always wear the Visitor’s lanyard displaying the sign-in number. Return this to the office when you sign out

• If you have any behaviour concerns with children that cannot be managed with a polite request to stay on task/co-operate/listen, then please refer these to the teacher immediately.  Volunteers are respectfully asked not to discipline children themselves (this includes raising voices or physically handling students).

• Always refer to the teacher when increasing the level of work for a child you may be working with (e.g. reading levels). Teachers use a range of information to determine appropriate work for students.

• Avoid any critical or negative comments (about students work, dress, food, etc.) to children or to their parents. Please notify the class teacher about any problems or concerns.

• Avoid physical contact with students (including sitting on laps and cuddling).

• Be mindful of inappropriate language when speaking to students. These days families have different views about which words are acceptable for children.

• Avoid making any critical or negative comments towards students, staff or other volunteers

• Your observations and interactions with supervising teachers and staff working with students are regarded as confidential. It is not appropriate to relate what you have seen or heard staff doing to other parents, children or community members.

• Your interactions with children should be regarded as confidential. Reporting to parents about a child’s performance on a task or their behaviour is the role of the classroom teacher.

• Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If unsure of requirements ask staff for guidance/feedback

• We ask that you do not enter bathrooms, toilet blocks, student cabins or other accommodation, including your child’s, unless directed to or with the express permission of supervising teachers or staff.

• Your attendance has been factored into adult/student supervision ratios. Please ensure you can keep your commitment to ensure the safety and supervision of our students.

• Before commencing any voluntary work in the school, or accessing school grounds during school hours, adults who are not parents (i.e. grandparents, siblings and other community members), must complete an Application for Suitability Notice for a Volunteer (Blue Card). This is commonly known as an application for a Application for Suitability Notice - Blue Card. This is then forwarded to the Commission for Children & Young People for processing. When we gain written approval, this person is then permitted to undertake volunteer work in the school.
• Applications for volunteers are free
• Applications can be made online.
• You should carry your Blue Card with you at all times when volunteering at school or on excursion.  
• PSSS can endorse your volunteer Blue Card application. We cannot endorse general Blue Card applications. 
• Your Blue Card must be 'linked' to our school if volunteering. Please show your card at the office to get it linked. 

A note about Grandparents