Editor’s Note: This story is a part of our series, The Gift.
Parent councils, parent volunteer committees, school councils – however a school dubs them, dedicated volunteers are enriching the lives of students and staff at local schools
School volunteers give the gift of time. Photo Credit DepositPhotos.com monkeybusiness
Turnbull School has an active and dedicated parent volunteer committee which organizes a number of extracurricular activities and events at the Ottawa private school.
Their involvement “really enhances the overall experience for the staff and students,” says Turnbull School director Buddy Clinch.
Activities by the parent and volunteer committee include fundraising initiatives for the three charities that Turnbull has supported for many years.
“In October and November, we support the United Way, Help Lesotho in December and The Ottawa Hospital Foundation in May,” says Clinch. He also points out that there is a lot of planning and organizing that parents provide that goes into bake sales, craft sales, school dances, and a parent and staff social.
“Our parent volunteers really do help create a vibrant and welcoming school community,” says Clinch. That community, he says, in turn helps Turnbull students feel supported and connected. It also helps the parents connect with one another. “That helps build strong relationships and a genuine sense of belonging in the school community.”
Parents at Turnbull are actively involved in planning and running a family fun fair every September, which welcomes new students and families and renews friendships with those returning, says Turnbull School director Craig Dunn.
Turnbull School directors Buddy Clinch, left, and Craig Dunn. Photo Credit Rachel Fabich
“The parents plan staff appreciation lunches, organize our daily lunch program, plan a monthly pizza day and help run our Scholastic Book Fair,” says Dunn, adding that some parents volunteer their time doing presentations in class. “These are sometimes cultural celebrations, reading during themed weeks or months, or talking about their profession or a hobby.” Dunn says this helps broaden students’ learning and reinforces the key role that families play in building a positive and inclusive school environment. “We couldn’t do it without our parents’ support,” says Dunn. “They truly add to that sense of school spirit and togetherness at Turnbull School.”
Over at Heritage Academy, principal Cheryl Ward calls the parents their partners.
Cheryl Ward. Photo Courtesy Cheryl Ward
“They sit on our school’s steering committee and several families have been active, dedicated volunteers within our school community for decades.”
Heritage Academy parents help with everything from fundraising to acting as exam proctors for secondary students, to chaperoning school events and outings, Ward says.
“Our students really thrive when they see parents and other adults helping out,” says Ward. “And we also have many professionals from the community who contribute by giving engaging talks and sharing their real-world expertise with our students. It really enhances our student’s education.”
Ward adds that other parents help with applying for grants for the school, while others are getting the school garden going.
“We’re also lucky to have some great partnerships with businesses in the community,” says Ward. She says that having parent volunteers underscores the importance of giving back and fosters a sense of community.
“The other day, we had a volunteer who is a certified breeder bring in her latest litter of puppies,” says Ward. “It was a great learning experience for our students. The students learned how to handle puppies and it helped the puppies socialize. It even helped one student who was a little anxious. It was a wonderful and sweet learning experience that this volunteer shared with our students. We really appreciate our partners’ input and support throughout the years.”
There are parent involvement committees at every school in the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE).
“Our conseil d’école are essential for getting feedback for school initiatives,” says Christian Lapalme, Superintendent of Education at CECCE. “Along with the principal of each school, they help plan out activities for the students.” CECCE parents get involved in school fairs, carnivals, school outings and the end of the year bazaar.
Christian Lapalme. Photo Credit Photographie Carpe Diem
This year, the CECCE’s parents’ participation committee awarded four certificates of appreciation to schools that had exceptional parent involvement, says Lapalme.
“They were very proud receiving them and I hope it encourages more parent participation,” Lapalme says. He adds that the parent committees often have guest speakers on subjects that can help the students. They will offer podcasts and videos in a library that can be accessed by any parent.
“The more parents participate in their child’s school, the more the students get involved,” says Lapalme. “Visit your child’s classroom during open houses, see what’s going on. Participate in your child’s education. It will benefit you and your child.”
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Useful websites
turnbull.ca/
heritage-academy.com/
ecolecatholique.ca/