For an awfully long time now, I have been meaning to set aside some time to volunteer at my daughters’ school. Last year, I felt too busy with settling into a new city and neighbourhood, starting up a new business, and overseeing major home renos. All which now feel like lame-o excuses. So this school year, with things a little more settled, I happily signed up to volunteer twice a month in my youngest daughter’s SK class. I know 5 hours a month doesn’t seem like much, but until you put it into your plan, it feels impossible.
So yesterday, I accompanied my daughter to her morning class. It was a brilliant, sunny day and I spent our short walk admiring the leaves at the peak of their colours and listening to my daughter’s excited chatter about the day ahead. When we arrived, she went off on regular routine while I found her teacher and got the low-down on what to do. As a “newbie” volunteer, I never realized the protocol that comes with it. Sign in at the office, get a button that distinguishes you as a volunteer, back to the school yard to hang out with the kids before the bell rings, herd everyone into the classroom, coats & outdoor shoes off, indoor shoes on, note totes into a bucket for the teacher, and find your place on the mat. Quite a routine!
I happily filled soap containers, traced/cut out leaf patterns, and sharpened pencils while the teacher and the kids went on with their day and I was thrilled to be getting a peek into my daughter’s school “life” like I never had before. Her classmates were totally endearing and I was one of the “gang” within about 30 seconds of our introduction. Everyone was polite, helpful, played well together, and cleaned up after themselves.
If we as adults could always keep top of mind what we learned in Kindergarten, I think the world would be a better place to be. Don’t you?
If you had volunteered at any of the other 90 % of Public school BOARDS in Ontario you would have also had to have a “criminal background check for the vulnerable sector”. This can be found on the RCMP website under “vulnerable sector”. You sound like a wonderful person, but the same trust put into you is also put into other parent (and some community) volunteers who may not be as lovely. It has been shown to be BEST PRACTICE by most organisations such as scouts Canada, Hockey Canada, co-op daycares, etc. IF the school had asked you to complete a criminal check would you ? and would you have still volunteered despite filling out a form ?
Heather, I actually do already have a valid criminal background check for the vulnerable sector as I volunteer for another organization who required this, but you make an excellent point. If I didn’t already have this in place, I certainly would have filled out a form had I been asked. Would all parents however? I doubt it (not for any dubious reasons…just the hassle, time, etc). Given that my educational background is in Criminology and I have previously worked for a police organization in the past, I think I would agree with you that in this day and age, 100% of school boards should be following this process for their volunteers. On the other hand, I think it’s damn shame that it’s come to that.
I have been trying for so long to volunteer at the day care where my daughter goes. But they don’t allowed me because I don’t have experience with children groups. I have my background check done. I am a Pharmacy Assistant and I am a student at Algonquin College, but they said the city of Ottawa don’t let me. I don’t feel that’s right, but what may I do about?