1. St Mary’s Volunteer Assistant Readiness Training (SMART) Program
Wednesday 14 March

2. A Sculptor Stood in a Studio
I dreamt I stood in a studio,
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child’s mind,
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher - the tools she used, were books, music, and art.
The other, a parent - working with a guiding hand, and a gentle loving heart.
Day after day, the teacher toiled with a touch that was deft and sure.
While the parent labored by her side, and polished and smoothed it o’er.
When at last, their task was done, they were proud of what they had wrought.
For the things they had molded into the child, could neither be sold nor bought.
And each agreed they would have failed If each had worked alone,
For behind the teacher stood the school,
And behind the parent, the home.
- Author Unknown

3. Why does St Mary’s value our volunteers?
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
Because our vision states:
We believe that St. Mary’s is a Catholic School Community where we are:
committed to learning for all, fairness for all and compassion for all.
And our Mission is to:
welcome all people in the Brigidine tradition of inclusiveness and belonging.
engage in meaningful and collaborative relationships with all members of our community to ensure the best outcomes for all.
We embed a culture of collaboration with purpose and clarity to ensure high levels of learning for all.
We create a safe, inclusive environment that celebrates effort and achievement and promotes dignity and fullness of life for all.

4. What can parent volunteers do to support the education of the children at St Mary’s?
Provide additional opportunities for the student around:
Reading
Sports
Excursions
Sharing of skills and knowledge with students
Support the teacher to provide additional opportunities for the students
Video/Reading

5. Promoting a Growth Mindset

6. Positive Parent Partnerships.

7. Why is the safety of your children at St Mary’s important?
Because all of our children are precious and have the right to be protected
Because safe, engaged and happy children have better future outcomes
Because Child Safety is the responsibility of all of us
Because we must all work to ensure our school is always a safe environment for children

8. How do we ensure the safety of all the children at St Mary’s?
Seven Child Safe Standards:
Ministerial Order 870: Ministerial Order 870, Child Safe Standards, has been implemented to ensure that all Victorian schools are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect.
Standard 1: Organisational culture for child safety: Strategies to embed an organisational culture of child safety, including through effective leadership arrangements
Standard 2: Child Safe Policy: A child safe policy or statement of commitment to child safety
Standard 3: Code of Conduct: A code of conduct that establishes clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children
Standard 4: Human Resources: Screening, supervision and training to reduce the risk of child abuse by adults
Standard 6: Strategies to identify and reduce or remove risks of child abuse
Standard 7: Strategies to promote the participation and empowerment of children

9. What does it mean for those working with children?
Avoiding situations where adults might be alone with a child
Avoiding unnecessary physical contact with children
Using appropriate ways to talk with and engage children
Avoiding in engaging in potentially inappropriate conversations
Maintaining confidentiality EXCEPT in circumstances where a child discloses information of neglect, harm or abuse
Understanding what to do if child discloses information to an adult. Following the correct procedures is critical.

10. Requirements of Volunteers:
Complete the Application Form: (This can be used again in subsequent years if details remain unchanged)
Participate in the SMART program
Signed Code of Conduct.
Copy of Child Safe Policy.
Provide a referee for a reference check. This can be used again in subsequent years. The school will check this.
Indicate if you have worked in a child related field.
Indicate the areas in which you would like to volunteer.
Provide a copy of a Working With Children Card
This is valid for more than one year. The school will check this if you choose to volunteer again next year.