STUDENT WELLBEING
‘It takes a village to raise a child’
‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is an African proverb which means that it takes an entire community of different people interacting with children in order for a child to experience and grow in a safe environment. Upon reflection this is no different from our role as teachers and your role as parents. Coming to school your child/ren learn in a safe environment, nurtured, cared for and guided by our dedicated school staff.
At our parent teacher interviews this week, discussions were had between teachers and families about supporting the learning journey of your child/ren. As educators we are aware of the importance of ‘Home-School Partnerships’ and students’ academic success being maximised through supportive relationships between home and school.
It really is true that ‘it takes a village to raise a child!’
Last week at assembly I introduced Leading Senior Constable, Tracey Porter from Victoria Police. In her role as Youth Liaison Officer for Banyule, Tracey will be able to support our students in many areas of wellbeing, including ways they can keep themselves safe. Her assistance in supporting us in the ‘growing’ of our students will also be invaluable.
Saint Francis Xavier has always been proud of its vibrant and welcoming community. On Friday night we welcomed our Prep parents with a social gathering in the hall.
It was great to meet our parents and in particular those who are new to our school and parish. Welcome to our ‘village’ and we look forward to your journey with us!
Volunteering
St. Francis Xavier greatly appreciates all parent assistance and contributions made to the school throughout the year. Your assistance is welcomed and needed because volunteering makes it possible for many wonderful student activities. Volunteering also offers family engagement in student education, builds relationships and community.
We ask each family to contribute in one way (or more) throughout the course of the year, wherever your talents, interests and time best suits you! Some ways you can contribute include: Class helpers in Literacy, Numeracy, Art & Excursions, School Sport Carnivals, Fete Volunteers, Working Bees, Canteen, Uniform Shop, Committees – Parents Association, School Advisory Council, Parish Finance Team, Parish Pastoral Council, Fete Committee and Works and Maintenance Committee.
In order to ensure that Saint Francis Xavier is able to receive such valuable contributions we provide the most secure, safe child environment for everybody.
With the introduction of the CHILD SAFE Legislation in August 2016, a number of procedures and practices have been put into place at Saint Francis Xavier that require parents/ carers as Volunteers (child related work) to adhere to before being able to Volunteer.
1. Provide a copy of a Current Working with Children Check to the office.
2. Read, sign and return the School’s Community Code of Conduct
3. Attend a Volunteers/Child Safe School Workshop
4. Sign in and out of the volunteers register on each occasion. Signing the register either at the front office or with the teacher the volunteer is working with.
5. Wear a volunteer badge for the duration of the volunteering period. Badges are available where the signing in/out occurs.
All new 2019 volunteers must sign and return the Community Code of Conduct before volunteering. Forms must be returned signed before volunteering, ensuring your Working With Childrens Check is current (application forms are available online at http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au).
Parent Volunteer (Child Safety) & Literacy workshops will be offered on Thursday March 7th, at 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm. Parents interested in the workshops are to write their name on the sheets provided outside the P - 2 classrooms. Please come to the school office for direction as to where the workshop will be held. It is recommended parents who wish to volunteer with child connected work, attend so as to know how to best protect and support students (and yourself as a volunteer.) The workshops will also offer some helpful hints in how to best assist student learning and support teachers particularly in the area of Literacy.
No Volunteers, contractor, employee or visitor working in child connected work will be on school premises without wearing badge and signed in.
Parents who are dropping off/ picking up their child/ren before and after school do not need to sign unless it is between the hours of 9.15am – 3pm. Such times requires parents to report in at the office to sign their child in or out.
Parents who come to school events eg sports, assembly, school masses, classroom prayer sessions etc… may do so only on school invitation. This does not require WWCC nor sign in out as the adults attending will not be working directly with the students and will be under supervision of employed staff.
However should a parent want to volunteer services at such events eg sporting carnival, then the parent/carer will need to have completed all of the 5 points listed above. (NB: The workshop is not compulsory to volunteer but is highly recommended. Without attending the workshop it will restrict the volunteers’ opportunities).
Looking forward to seeing you at the workshop.
Regards,
Guy Toomey and Catherine Vear