Parent Involvement

Parents may wish to support the school by spending time in school involved with class programmes, and on trips and camps outside the school. Other opportunities for involvement may include helping with sports, fundraising, road patrol, becoming a member of the parent group or board of trustees, attending and participating in school events, and taking part in scheduled policy reviews.

Parent involvement contributes to a strong school community and has benefits for everyone involved. Many events would simply not take place without the involvement of parent volunteers.

General guidelines

· Parents are welcome to offer their time and assistance.

· Parents are invited to help by the individual class teacher when the need exists.

· Parents are informed of their obligations and role as helpers.

· Activities involving parent help are monitored by staff.

· When there are more offers of help than required, school declines some of these offers.

· The school reserves the right to decline offers of help at any time. Parent volunteers, excluding camp parents, are not required to be vetted, although the school board or management may choose to do so.

· It is not always appropriate for siblings to come along with the parent helper. This will be made clear before the event/activity.

Care and protection of children

· The school's child protection policies apply to anyone helping in the school. For example, helpers must maintain confidentiality regarding other children, and should be made aware of not being alone with children.

· It is likely that parents working within the school will sometimes become aware of issues relating to individual families or specific children. Any issues or concerns about such children should be communicated immediately to the classroom teacher who should be able to reassure parent volunteers that the school is managing the situation.

· If the parent continues to have concerns these should be raised with the principal. They must not be discussed with other parents.

In the classroom

· While support in the classroom is appreciated, each teacher has their own preference for the extent of this involvement.

· Parents are welcome to offer their time and assistance and are invited to help by the individual class teacher when the need exists.

Reviewed 31/10/2022