Learning and Teaching

Anzac Day Service

On a chilly autumn morning about forty St John’s students and their parents gathered at Halliday Park to commemorate Anzac Day, 2022. All students had been working hard in Performing Art classes to learn the song 'Here you Lie' and it was impressive that they not only knew the words but were able to sing (without a warm up on a cold morning!) with beautiful voices and consideration for those who fought for our country. 

We were very well received and I was so proud of the students and their willingness to be involved, to get up so early at the end of the school holidays also.  

Many thanks to the parents who brought them along and supported this important event.

Ms Lou Devoy 

Performing Arts Teacher

Parent Helpers in the Classroom

At ​St John’s,  ​adult helpers in the classroom enhance our educational programs, build the partnership between school and home, and provide opportunities for parents to develop their skills and become active participants in their children’s education.

We ​believe that the contribution of parent helpers in classrooms is a great resource and an essential part of a vibrant, positive home/school partnership.

Adult helpers in classrooms play a valuable role in extending students’ experiences and increasing their access to adult assistance.

By assisting in classrooms as helpers, parents can:

▪ gain a greater understanding of their children’s schooling and see their children in their “work” situation

▪ share their expertise to enrich programs

▪ enable teachers to provide a wider range of learning activities

▪ extend children’s experiences and access to adult assistance

Duties that may be required of adult helpers in classrooms include:

▪ Supervision of students in small groups

▪ Setting up/packing away

▪ Supervising art and craft work

▪ Extending students’ learning in a particular area through questioning

▪ Interacting with students to maximise their learning in an activity

▪ Asking and answering student questions

▪ Re-focusing students

▪ Computer troubleshooting

▪ Sharing a skill or area of expertise

All adult helpers in classrooms need to:

▪ Have a current Working with Children Check

▪ Agree to and follow Child Safe Code of Conduct guidelines

▪ Sign in and out at the school office and wear an identifying badge

▪ Understand that the teacher is responsible for the education, control and behaviour management of the children

▪ Understand that the parent is a ​helper​ and is therefore required to work under the teacher’s direction

▪ Maintain confidentiality at all times

▪ Understand that the use and selection of adult helpers is at the discretion of the teacher

▪ Know that they may or may not be working with their own child

▪ Understand their purpose for being a classroom helper is to assist all children not just their own

▪ Inform the classroom teacher if they are unable to attend so that alternative arrangements can be made

▪ Not publish or transmit any photos of students other than their own without teacher and parent consent

▪ Leave toddlers and pre-school age children at home

It is vital that you treat anything you hear or see as an adult helper in a classroom with regard to particular children as being in absolute confidence.

Similarly you may find that parents who are friends will ask about the progress or behaviour of their child in the classroom. This requires a great deal of tact on the part of the parent helper and it is very important that you suggest that if they are worried in any way about their child, then they discuss the matter themselves with the classroom teacher.

If you are interested in being a regular Parent Helper, please speak to your classroom teacher or email Ange Crowe acrowe@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions regarding the expectations of the role. 

We look forward to seeing you in the classroom! 

Ange Crowe - Literacy Leader/Reading and Learning Diversity Leader